Ballarat’s cultural renaissance: from Harmony Fest to a biennale, the people and plans shaping the city’s scene

Ballarat’s cultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a mix of community-led initiatives, major events and long-term planning. From a record-breaking Harmony Fest to the launch of an ambitious biennale, the city is cementing its reputation as a destination for the arts, and the people behind the scenes are the ones making it happen.

A city-wide celebration of diversity

In March 2026, Ballarat City Council reported substantial progress on its Intercultural Plan 2022-2026, highlighting the success of Harmony Fest 2025, which attracted more than 4,000 attendees. The festival, which showcases the city’s multicultural communities, also marked the signing of a new five-year Friendship City Agreement with Yangzhou, China. Council officials said the agreement will deepen cultural and economic ties between the two cities, building on Ballarat’s growing international profile. The progress report underscores how grassroots engagement, from community groups to local artists, is central to the city’s cultural strategy.

Putting Ballarat on the national art map

Ballarat is recasting itself as the ‘Venice of Australian art’ with its inaugural biennale, which will feature dozens of exhibitions in historic buildings across the city. Organisers expect 100,000 visitors over the six-week event, a figure that would inject significant energy into local businesses and galleries. The biennale is part of a broader push to attract cultural tourists and position Ballarat as a national arts hub. Meanwhile, local artist Megan J Riedl has been announced as the recipient of a creative arts award, with Her Majesty’s Theatre set to showcase her works as part of the ‘Ignite!’ program. The program is designed to lift emerging local talent and give them a platform in one of the city’s most iconic venues.

Conferences and heritage: building economic and cultural momentum

Ballarat will host the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) annual conference in September 2024, an event expected to bring 700 delegates and contribute more than $1.15 million to the local economy. The conference will draw museum and gallery professionals from across the country, reinforcing Ballarat’s status as a centre for cultural heritage. Adding to the year’s cultural calendar, excitement is building for the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Festival, which will focus on uncovering lesser-known characters and cultures that shaped the city. Organisers have promised a program that digs into the untold stories of Ballarat’s past, from its Indigenous heritage to the contributions of migrant communities.

What’s next for Ballarat’s culture scene

With the biennale, the AMaGA conference and the Heritage Festival all on the horizon, Ballarat’s cultural calendar is set for a busy period. The City Council has signaled continued investment in arts infrastructure and programming, including upgrades to the Art Gallery of Ballarat. For locals and visitors alike, the message is clear: Ballarat’s story is being written not just in grand festivals, but in the work of the artists, community organisers and international partners who are shaping its future.