Latest Events
As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year!
Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.
Latest news
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
Newsletter – April 2023
In this issue learn about: Library New Releases & Recommended Reads | Book Launch | Author Talks | Comedy Festival | Twilight Talks | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Book Sale | Maker Market
Our Library | New Releases & Recommendations April 2023
CGo to the Library webpage to view all New Releases and Book Summaries Our Library
Meet the Author, enjoy the Show | Bill ‘Swampy’ Marsh | 3 April 2023
Feedback from recent Shows: Shaun Keenan – Griffith – Very entertaining and insightful. John Philip Eyles – Wagga – I don’t think I’ve ever been to a book launch before but this afternoon I did and what a great launch it was. It was funny and clever with everything from great storytelling to magic and
News | Don’t miss these fine young scholars at the BMI this June | Melba Opera Trust
Sunday 4 June 2023 | 2pm The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in partnership with the Melba Opera Trust will be presenting three young artists who have been awarded a scholarship to help develop their artistic skills to enable them to become well rounded operatic artists. Tickets prices: Concession – $32.70 incl gst General Admission – $38.50 incl
Venue Hire
The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.
Membership
Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.
Our History
John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.
Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.
Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.
