Emerging Talent Voices and the Next Wave to Watch

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2026 'Be Hear Now' contemporary music program. The initiative introduces fresh partnerships with the Victorian Music Development Office and Music Victoria, positioning Ballarat to surface new creative voices in the local scene.

Why the timing matters

Ballarat secured hosting rights for the Australian Museums and Galleries Association annual conference in September 2026. The event is expected to bring up to 700 attendees and contribute over $1.15 million to the local economy. This backdrop of major cultural gatherings creates space for emerging talent to connect with wider networks and audiences.

Local programs opening pathways

The City of Ballarat presented progress on its Intercultural Plan 2022-2026 in March 2026. Highlights included 22 Harmony Fest 2025 events that drew over 4,000 attendees and new partnership agreements with Yangzhou, China, and Ainaro, Timor Leste. Ballarat also unites with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for its first joint NAIDOC Week 2026 celebration, which will feature a smoking ceremony and community event at the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The Ballarat Heritage Festival opens with a theme focused on lesser-known characters and cultures that shaped the city.

Evidence of momentum

These steps build on documented activity. The music program’s new partnerships and the intercultural plan’s delivered events show concrete movement toward broader participation. The NAIDOC celebration and heritage festival themes further emphasise voices that have received less attention in the past.

Interested artists can submit expressions of interest for 'Be Hear Now' through official City of Ballarat channels. Details on the NAIDOC Week event and Heritage Festival programming are available via the council’s public notices.