Are you a curious culture lover? Someone who appreciates the details, understands the labour and is seeking a sense of the undiscovered?
If this screams you, the brand-new Ballarat Craft & Design Week has your name written all over it!
The free event will be held at the Ballarat Mining Exchange from Friday 1 May until Sunday 10 May from 10am-5pm daily.
Ballarat Craft & Design Week will showcase meaningful partnerships between makers, designers, manufacturers and producers, exploring ideas of textile, memory and restorative practices.
Wander through five structured experiences and installations within the historic Lydiard St space and touch, interact and explore compelling stories which connect you to place.
Meet the 2026 line-up
Jordy Bos, Jessica Larm and Kerith Holmes
This three-way collaboration brings together Kerith Holmes' textile-based explorations of gender and social commentary, Jordy Bos’ experimental paper structures and Jessica Larm’s Nordic-inspired jewellery practice. Their combined approach is reinterpreting the Southern stars, including Ballarat’s own relationship with the Eureka flag, and examining the fragility of democracy.
Bernadette Aitken & Minna Graham
Ceramicist Minna Graham (renowned for her functional teaware and international training) is partnering with printmaker and textile artist Bernadette Aitken. Their project will weave together clay and cloth, creating tactile works that evoke memory, nature and cultural heritage. Together, this collaboration is building an experience of the chaos of nature.
Tiffany Titshall and Jayne Newgreen
Visual artist Tiffany Titshall (known for her evocative works in charcoal and ink) is partnering up with textile artist Jayne Newgreen, whose weaving practice embraces reclaimed fibres and imperfection. Their collaboration will explore themes of memory, place and sustainability through layered surfaces. Their collaborative works involve working with light and being inspired by being in nature under the light of the moon. Anticipate an installation where you can join them walking in darkness but you’re never lost.
Nick Doran Adams and Spencer Harrison
Spencer Harrison (a multidisciplinary artist known for his vibrant explorations of geometric abstraction) is joining forces with glass artist Nick Doran Adams, whose practice spans hot sculpting and kiln forming. They are creating works that merge their shared history of late 1980s and early 90s popular culture including Nintendo, Pokemon and Rugrats with an innovative approach to glass and reclaimed materials. Expect to see gorgeous glass forms and light.
Dearne Mills and Jude Ng
Fashion designer Jude Ng (celebrated for his gender-neutral tailoring and zero-waste ethos) is collaborating with designer-maker Dearne Mills of MAINICHI, whose work transforms discarded materials into exquisite jewellery. Together, they will explore sustainable design through garments and accessories that celebrate imperfection and craftsmanship.
