Loading Events

Image: The Sailor Dog, by Margaret Wise Brown, A Little Golden Book Classic | Oaky & Ginger Upcycled

Exhibition of Works

Prior to Market Day at the BMI Simone Reid will display a selection of her works in the library. Commission earned for works offered for sale during the exhibition will support Our Arts and Cultural Activities and the maintenance of Our Heritage Collection. 

‘All treasures are cheerfully handmade with my passion for small makings and low waste. Created in Ballarat, Victoria. Everything you see here has a nostalgic, re-purposed and vintage vibe. No two products found here are alike’

This display will only be open during normal Library operating hours (i.e. Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 9.30am to 12noon). We will also be open on Market Day Sunday 20 March until 2pm.

More about Oaky and Ginger Upcycled

More the BMI Maker & Community Market

Arts and cultural activities

If you would like to provide feedback on BMI activities you have experienced or have suggestions on what you would like us to consider then we would like to hear from you. Please complete the feedback form. 

This workshop is a BMI Community Art Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution

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