Minerva space up for music industry award

LIVE performance space Minerva Ballaarat is a nominee in the best regional venue/presenter under fifty gigs category of the Music Victoria Awards.

Ballaarat Mechanics Institute venue and events manager Sam McColl said their historic upstairs theatre area, and Humffray Room, offer something different within the city’s broader live music scene.

“We’re a not-for-profit music venue, and that’s not all that common in our industry,” he said.

“We’re also one of Ballarat’s newest venues, while being one of Ballarat’s oldest venues. The Minerva name is only a few months old, but the actual organisation itself is over 160 years old.

“It’s a new direction for us at the BMI to be able to showcase local and touring live music, and we’re really sinking our teeth into the local live music scene to showcase what we have in our town.

“People can come and experience live music here without having to go to a pub-type environment, or massive footy ground as well, which is unique.”

Mr McColl said Minerva Ballaarat’s ongoing aim will be to host quality monthly gigs, and more alcohol-free events into the future.

“We’re all about showcasing smaller local artists and partnering them with larger musicians that come to town,” he said.

“We have a booker and artist liaison on board now, making sure we look towards the touring season and bring artists to Ballarat that may not otherwise have come here.”

The BMI became a member of Music Victoria during the height of the pandemic, and Mr McColl said their staff have provided valuable support and resources to venues and artists.

“We’ve changed some of our guidelines to ensure we’re in line with best practice and are paying our musicians a fair wage.

“The Music Victoria Awards bring together the best of the best, and it’s really nice to be recognised for the work we’ve been doing lately,” he said.

“It’s also awesome to see other great local venues and events nominated, including OK Motels and CresFest for best festival.”