1st - 10th May 2026

The inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week is to be hosted in Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange.

Ballarat Craft and Design Week theme for 2026 is Bound, celebrating meaningful collaboration between craft and design practitioners, communities, and cultural industries. The emphasis for 2026 is on textile, memory, and restorative practices.

This event will showcase meaningful partnerships between makers, designers, manufacturers, and producers, exploring ideas of textile, memory, and restorative practices. The program reflects Ballarat’s commitment as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art to foster innovation, sustainability, and cultural connection. Following a competitive application process, a select cohort of collaborations has been chosen to participate in a comprehensive professional development program. These partnerships will culminate in a curated exhibition and public program featuring hands-on workshops, talks, retail opportunities, and immersive experiences during the festival.

During this free event visitors will be able to wander through five structured experiences within the heritage venue of the Mining Exchange in Ballarat Central. Visitors will be able to touch, interact and explore five compelling stories which connect us to place, enjoy a wide and diverse array of supporting activities

Read more about the event and cohort of makers on their website