Sparking artistic social connection

EACH Sunday afternoon, the North Britain Hotel in Soldiers Hill becomes the social meeting point for the creatives and artists of Ballarat and surrounds.

The regular Arte Chatz events take place from 3pm, with a miniature of Doctor Who’s iconic blue TARDIS phone booth to signify the group for newcomers.

The get-togethers were spearheaded in September by artist Peter Sparkman, who said there was a “hole to fill” for artist get-togethers following the pandemic.

“The main places that artists would hang out don’t really exist anymore. Babushka closed down. The Main Bar closed down and is yet to reopen,” he said.

“I was missing everybody and you only ever see some of them at openings so I wanted to make a place where there was no time limit and everyone can get to together and talk about their art.

“The North Britain Hotel is so eclectic and the garden’s really peaceful, pretty and quiet. It’s been a great place to have everyone come along.”

Sparkman said the initial gatherings grew from eight people to an average of more than 30.

The events are open for all manner of creatives such as visual artists, performers, musicians, sound and lighting technicians.

He also said said the get-togethers have been a great way to strengthen Ballarat’s art scene.

“It’s very casual, and what I find is people start talking and showing each other their work, which is great because normally they don’t have the time to do that,” Sparkman said.

“Someone will talk about what they’re doing and then they can be put together with someone who’s in that scene and they’ll form a connection.

“It’s great to see the beer garden full of people just talking about art. We have drawers, painters, sculptors, people in performing arts, film, musicians. Whoever wants to come is welcome.”