160 years for Mechanics’ Institute

THE Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute will begin celebrating their 160^th year this week and invites Ballarat to get involved.

On Friday and Saturday, during the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival, some of the BMI’s collections and exhibitions are on display, kicking off the big birthday.

The cultural hub is hosting a second series of their popular Twilight Talks, which will commence tomorrow, Friday 26 April, 5pm to 7pm in the Minerva Space.

The session will feature visuals from the BMI photo collection, a talk from Amy Tsilemanis, the institute’s Curator, with special guest Max Harris, and live music from the Winter Berries. Tickets are $10 or $6 for members.

The final day of Talking Shop will be this Saturday, 27 April between 10am and 4pm in the Heritage Reading Room. The generative exhibition explores the historical and contemporary shops and businesses of Ballarat.

It showcases old and newer photographs, including Instagram shots from The Ballarat Life tag, advertisements and ephemera.

Ms Tsilemanis is coming to the end of her three-year curatorship with the BMI and designed the exhibition to bring out pictures and artefacts in new ways.

“Talking Shop’s really just about connecting people in this amazing space, which is full of both the history of Ballarat, but also ideas for the future,” she said.

“That’s the thing I love, just seeing people come in and talk to each other around the material.”

Visitors will also see artist-in-residence, Pauline O’Shannessy Dowling’s new creative work, produced with attendees of the exhibition through its run, and a collaborative work by Margie Balazic and Dana Street Primary School, inspired by Klines Bakery. Entry is by gold coin donation.

The BMI was founded in 1859 to encourage adult learning and recreation. The institute was initially in the Ballarat East Fire Station where they had three tables, 18 chairs, some newspapers and 72 books.

The BMI’s current building was established not long after in 1860, with the foundation stone laid in September. The Sturt Street location was secured with efforts from then Member of Parliament Peter Lalor, and the Ballarat Star estimated, at the time, a crowd 10,000 strong attended its opening.

The 160^th celebrations are set to flow to 2020. Head to ballaratmi.org.au for updates on how you can support the long-running, but ever-evolving cultural space. Find the BMI at 117 Sturt Street, Ballarat.