Loading Events

Image: Image: Brian Purnell, Michael Gudinski, Courtesy of Mushroom Creative House

Number One | Gudinski 

(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.

About this installation

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.

Often referred to by those in the know as the Godfather of Aussie music, Michael Gudinski is widely recognised as the most powerful and influential figure in the Australian music industry. As Chairman of Mushroom Group – the largest independent music and entertainment company in Australia and New Zealand, home to Frontier Touring, Chugg Entertainment, eight record labels and over two dozen other specialist divisions – Gudinski’s clout was undeniable. The exhibition features photographs of Elton John, Paul McCartney, Vance Joy, Courtney Barnett, Troye Sivan and many more.

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.

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

No Place Quite Like It: The Family History of Walter Withers and Fanny Flinn David Rathgen – Eltham District Historical Society. Until now there has been no family history of Walter Withers (1854-1914), a notable but underestimated Australian landscape artist of the Heidelberg school. For nearly 200 years his Birmingham ancestors had worked as tailors,

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

Vanish Shelley Burr. People go to the isolated Karpathy farm looking for a new life… and are never seen again. A chilling thriller from the award-winning and bestselling author of Australian noir, Shelley Burr. Lane Holland’s crime-solving career ended the day he went to prison. With his parole hearing approaching, he faces the grim reality that

Read More »

Ballarat Marathon | Limited access to the BMI

We’re excited that Ballarat Marathon will be underway soon. We hope everyone has the opportunity to take to the city to participate and watch the events. There will be limited access to the BMI during the course of the event on both Saturday 26 April & Sunday 27 April Library visitors on Saturday morning will

Read More »

Rosemary’s Book of the Week

The Reunion Bronwyn Rivers. Ten years ago, six teenagers hiked into the Blue Mountains wilderness – and only five came out alive.The survivors have barely seen each other since the tragic bushwalk. Yet when an invitation arrives to attend a 10-year memorial of their friend’s death, Hugh, Charlotte, Alex,Laura and Jack find themselves travelling back

Read More »

Ballarat Historical Society | Nathan Spielvogel Oration, Dr Frank Golding

Exploring Difficult History | Dr Frank Golding Wednesday 21 May, 7pm, Theatre, Barkly Square, 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East As part of Heritage Month, on Wednesday May 21st the Ballarat Historical Society is hosting the Nathan Spielvogel Oration with author, researcher and historian Dr Frank Golding as guest speaker. Frank will discuss the experience of women and children

Read More »

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing