Creative sector drives economic growth

CREATIVE sector development program Craft Lab is returning this month to showcase the work of 18 local creatives.

The program is now in its fifth year, identifying makers, artisans and artists who work with traditional skills and create contemporary applications.

Participants receive advice, portfolio reviews, professional photography, and brokerage support, and their works will be showcased at the Mining Exchange as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

More than 6000 visitors attended Craft Lab last year, with cultural tourism increasing across the city.

Ballarat is a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Arts and the town’s creative sector contributed $658.4 million to the local economy from 2022 to 2023.

Domestic overnight visitors spent $140 million on arts, heritage and cultural activities in the last financial year.

“With more than 2500 people now employed in creative sectors across our region, we’re witnessing first-hand how investing in our unique cultural identity generates both economic opportunities and strengthens community wellbeing,” mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“Our UNESCO designation has enabled us to showcase Ballarat’s creativity on a global stage while supporting local practitioners to develop sustainable careers right here in regional Victoria.

“Craft Lab is a great example of the work being done to cultivate Ballarat’s creative community and transform our city’s creative city into an economic powerhouse.”

Commerce Ballarat CEO Jodie Gillet said the economic impact of the arts and cultural industries help the broader business community.

“We’re seeing increased foot traffic, longer visitor stays, and stronger spending patterns across retail, hospitality, and accommodation sectors,” she said.

“The UNESCO designation has effectively diversified our economic base – building community resilience.”

Craft Lab will run from Saturday 17 until Sunday 25 May.