Catch-ups for creative connections

WHERE do the region’s artists find the time to put down their chosen tools and get together with each other in between their creative practices?

The City of Ballarat’s Creative City team have been offering an outlet for just that since February 2020 with their regular Creatives Coffee Catch Up.

Mayor Cr Des Hudson said the catch-ups are about connecting the region’s arts community.

” Creatives Coffee Catch Up events unite the wider arts community in an informal fashion,” he said.

“Artists often work in isolation and this gathering provides an opportunity to get out of their studios and workspaces and connect with others from the different arts sectors.

“These gatherings provide an opportunity for people to find a wider support network, learn more about the depth and broadness of our creative community, and maybe find creative collaborators in the future. ”

The next catch-up is slated to be held at 10am on Friday 19 July at the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trade, where general manager Erin Santamaria will discuss operations.

Cr Hudson said the events have only grown from their humble beginnings.

“The first gathering had 12 people in attendance, the last session had 50 and the upcoming event at the Rare Trades Centre has more than 140 people expressing interest, making it the biggest event we have held,” he said.

“We have had lots of interest in this event as it gives local artists and makers a chance to visit the Rare Trades Centre and its world-class facilities.

“It also provides an opportunity to hear from the Creative City team about upcoming events and opportunities and for the team to hear from the creative community about their projects and practice.”