
Newsletter – September 2025
A Message from the Chair… | Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Fashion Parade – Twilight Talks – Author Talks – Live Comedy – Live Music – Live Theatre – Festivals – Opera
Image: Image: Brian Purnell, Michael Gudinski, Courtesy of Mushroom Creative House
(currently open Thursday to Sunday | updated 13/10/21)
This element of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale will be held in the Basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute.
We are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event.
In celebration of Michael Gudinski’s legacy, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale in partnership with Mushroom Group presents an exhibition of music photography. Through an Open Call, music photographers were given the opportunity to submit photographs featuring artists under the Mushroom Group and Frontier Touring banner. Number One | Gudinski is an ode to Michael Gudinski, whose passion for music was legendary. This exhibition celebrates his advocacy for the arts and lasting impact.
About the Foto Beinnale
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale was founded in 2005 and attracts significant international and Australian photographers as one of Australia’s pre-eminent photographic festivals. It is a not-for-profit event that immerses the historic town of Ballarat in photographic art.
Now in its 16th year, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale has enriched the cultural landscape of regional Victoria, becoming the most significant, prestigious photographic arts festival in Australia. Held every two years we showcase work from domestic and international artists that is new, previously unseen in Australia or contextualised afresh; and in our Open Program we foster the development of emerging artists. Alongside there are public programs and education programs comprising talks, workshops and prizes which round out a rich and diverse cultural event that attracts more than 30,000 people, delivering significant economic and cultural impact.
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale is guided by the principle that it not only serves the community but also plays a vital role in cultivating it.
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale has attracted more than 200,000 visitors to Ballarat and was honoured in 2018 at the Federation Business School and Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards as the winner of the Visit Ballarat Events and Attractions Business Award. Its Founding Director, Jeff Moorfoot OAM received an Order of Australia Medal for services to photography.
We are Australia’s leading photographic festival. We’ve done this by consistently finding new ways to engage audiences with photography, responding to our audience’s needs, their changing vision of art and culture, and the role it plays in shaping Ballarat. We recognise and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people as the First Australians. Through photography, we see our world reflected back in unexpected ways through the eyes of others: artists, community and new perspectives.
A Message from the Chair… | Rosemary’s New Releases and Recommendations | Fashion Parade – Twilight Talks – Author Talks – Live Comedy – Live Music – Live Theatre – Festivals – Opera
The Little Brass Band – Fundraiser Looking back to the month that was, firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to The Little Brass Band for all their generosity in delivering Cheers – Raise a Glass for Brass, the recent fundraiser for the BMI held on August 10th. The Minerva Room was
The Eye of the Dragonfly: My life seeing the world through Sport Tracey Lee Holmes Don’t miss Tracey at the BMI on Thursday 4 September at 6pm. Presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre For over 30 years, Tracey Lee Holmes has been a trailblazer in Australian broadcasting – breaking ground as the first female
The re-creation of the 1925 chess tournament between Ballarat and Geelong, August 10. Members of the Ballarat Chess Club and BMI Patron Dr Phil Roberts gave a brief address, of the story of the 1925 tournament. This current day tournament in 2025 was won by Geelong, with several matches being played in the Humffray Room
The White Crow Michael Robotham Over 5 million copies sold. She upholds the law – Her family breaks it. ‘A twisty-turny, second-guessing great read with a killer ending’ – Herald Sun for When you are Mind. Don’t miss Michael at the BMI on Wednesday 20 August at 6pm. Beloved character Police Constable Philomena McCarthy, from When
High Rise Gabriel Bergmoser An expertly executed shot of adrenaline – Laura McCluskey. Grabs you by the throat and hurls you straight into the action… Brutally good fun – Michale Trant Don’t miss Gabriel on Monday 1 September at 6pm The story follows estranged father and ex-cop Jack Carlin as he tracks his rebellious daughter
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Coming in September…
Gabriel Bergmoser, Tracey Lee Holmes, Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae.
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing