Craft Lab is a sector development program which highlights the artisanal work of Ballarat practitioners. This program identifies talented makers, artisans and artists - those working with traditional skills and knowledge - who are developing new and compelling contemporary works. Candidates are selected every year to hone their knowledge, refine their practice and promote their craft.

Working in conjunction with Craft Victoria and the Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades, Craft Lab is a successful launch pad for practitioners. The selected practitioners are provided with intensive career advice and portfolio reviews. They are supplied with professional photography and brokerage support. And they participate in the Craft Lab demonstration and exhibition as part of the award-winning Ballarat Heritage Festival in May.

This program is part of the City of Ballarat’s UNESCO Creative City designation as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

Image credit: The work of master weaver Tim Gresham profiled in Intro magazine 2024 - image by Carli Wilson, Still Smiths