Market stalls set up with pride

NEXT month’s Ballarat Pride Market is a place for all, according to stallholders.

The market will be held at the Mining Exchange on Saturday 6 June, and artist Keira Hudson said the event is expected to bring diverse communities together.

One of at least 39 stallholders set for the market, the Ballan artist sells rugs, patches, ceramics and photography.

“It’s more like a family-friendly community,” she said. “My best friend came with her hubby and the kid and bought something…I’ve met people, and then I’ve seen them again and again at new markets.

“I’m kind of the gothic side of things, so I feel like it’s nice to find like where the weirdos are, encourage them to come out of the woodwork.

“Making friends with other vendors is a big part of it.”

Hudson said it was great to have a market like Ballarat’s on this side of Melbourne, having moved back to Ballan three years ago.

“I started forming friendships like with the roller derby people there, and other artists in the area,” Hudson said.

“As an adult, it’s about finding your niche, your community… An accepting community as well.

“I really love connecting with all these different communities that I didn’t necessarily know existed growing up.”

Iridian design maker-in-chief Megan Girdler produces and sells unique, handmade jewellery throughout similar markets across Victoria.

“The atmosphere is very celebratory,” they said. “There’s a kind of shared understanding of the experience.

“I think it’s just a beautiful way to feel connected to your community.

“Globally, the trans, gender diverse, and LGBTQIA+ community are facing a lot of darkness right now. At home, we can combat that by celebrating our community, and representation and visibility can become a beacon of hope.”

The free market will run from 10am to 3pm at the Mining Exchange.

Jay Kulbardi and Annelise Belladonna will be completing 15-minute portraits and Flying Chillis will be providing snacks.

More information and the list of stall holders is available at Ballarat Pride on Facebook.