Bountiful birthday bash for BAF

LOVERS of the performing arts in Ballarat were anticipating a treat last Friday evening 5 December – and they got one.

A big 25th birthday bash for Ballarat Arts Foundation (BAF) drew a crowd of about 300 to Her Majesty’s Theatre to enjoy a generous and genre-diverse program of live performances.

The special anniversary Made in Ballarat concert featured BAF patron, singer David Hobson, with talented BAF alumni and a who’s-who lineup of special guests including a stage band assembled specially for the occasion, led by musical director and conductor Andrew Power.

Emceeing for the evening, BAF chair Paula Nicholson described the event as a celebration-style concert showcasing some of the talent made in Ballarat.

“It is a celebration of community support for the arts in our city,” said Ms Nicholson, who was among those to perform, giving an audience-pleasing rendition of jazz standard Someone to Watch Over Me.

“The wider community continues to be enriched by a vibrant arts culture, and the encouragement and validation of our emerging artists is crucial in this enrichment,” she said.

Looking ahead to 2026, BAF’s mentoring program opens for applications in April while its new grants round will open for applications in June with emerging artists, patrons and supporters alike encouraged to sign up to the newsletter via its website to keep up with events and opportunities ahead.