BMI to host Maker’s Market

UTILISING the underused function spaces at the Ballarat Mechanic’s Institute, the organisation is set to host a Maker’s Market next weekend.

Taking place in the Minerva Grand Hall, the market planned for 13 March from 9am to 2pm is set to house a range of stalls from local creatives and small businesses including Deborah Klien, Lilli Pilli Beads, A TUK, Creative Bird, Tegan Crosbie Art and more.

Managing producer of the market Mark Potter said this kind of event is something that’s been planned for a while with the aim of activating the heritage building’s spaces.

“We have a range of stall holders from jewellery, to kids clothing, mainly makers and a couple of members from the BMI but all local artists,” he said.

“Down the track, we want to try and further enhance the maker’s experience by offering workshops for members and the greater community.

“We hope to make it a regular event, we’ll just see how this one goes but we’ve had a good response so far and we haven’t decided how often we will do them yet so we’ll get some feedback from the stallholders.”

After a tough year for creatives and producers, Mr Potter said it was important the team at BMI find ways of supporting regional makers to generate income and get their name out there.

“We just want to help as many creators out there as we can post-COVID,” he said.

“It’s also about getting people into the BMI, the library will be open in the morning but a lot of people don’t know the BMI, so this is a chance for them to come in and have a look.

“It’s great and fantastic to be able to open our doors, particularly for our members who have been not as mobile as they used to be and a little isolated.”

With roving entertainment by folk musician Josh Brodrick on the day, Mr Potter said the space lends itself to having an event like this.

“Being inside, we aren’t weather dependant and we also felt we stand a better chance of managing COVID-safe practices so we’re in a good position from that perspective,” he said.

“Hopefully we can open the space for tours again, we have a team of volunteers that runs tours through the building, so all of that stuff we want to regenerate and get moving.”

To learn more about the market, visit ballaratmi.org.au/bmi-market and for any questions, contact [email protected].