BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20230401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20230930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T220000 DTSTAMP:20260613T032649Z CREATED:20260310T010115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260613T032649Z UID:71143-1781298000-1781301600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260612T200000 DTSTAMP:20260527T015517Z CREATED:20260310T005733Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T015517Z UID:71141-1781290800-1781294400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-12-jun-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sq-promo-minerva-secrets2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260530T110000 DTSTAMP:20260528T034920Z CREATED:20260528T041002Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260528T034920Z UID:73311-1780135200-1780138800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults-reprised/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260523T113000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T121500 DTSTAMP:20260521T053103Z CREATED:20260421T025952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T053103Z UID:72387-1779535800-1779624900@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ballarat-heritage-festival-tours/ LOCATION:Meet in the Foyer\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-day-tours.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260521T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260524T160000 DTSTAMP:20260522T063609Z CREATED:20260418T053218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T063609Z UID:72320-1779357600-1779638400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lantern Vaults DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/lantern-vaults/ LOCATION:BMI – Multiple Spaces\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/sq-promo-events-lantern-vaults.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044437Z CREATED:20260310T002124Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044437Z UID:71139-1779224400-1779228000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-18-may-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T035527Z CREATED:20260310T001332Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T035527Z UID:71137-1779217200-1779220800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-19-may-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044330Z CREATED:20250923T052206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044330Z UID:67565-1777064400-1777068000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-24-apr-26-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260424T200000 DTSTAMP:20260331T044311Z CREATED:20260310T000249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T044311Z UID:71128-1777057200-1777060800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tour-24-apr-26/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251212T200000 DTSTAMP:20250923T051149Z CREATED:20250923T045702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051149Z UID:67545-1765566000-1765569600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-12-dec-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T220000 DTSTAMP:20250923T052637Z CREATED:20250923T051356Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052637Z UID:67555-1763240400-1763244000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251115T200000 DTSTAMP:20250923T052823Z CREATED:20250923T040314Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T052823Z UID:67502-1763233200-1763236800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-15-nov-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T210000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T220000 DTSTAMP:20250923T051126Z CREATED:20250923T044958Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051126Z UID:67531-1761944400-1761948000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251031T200000 DTSTAMP:20250923T051016Z CREATED:20250923T045951Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T051016Z UID:67550-1761937200-1761940800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-31-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Important Dates,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250715T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250715T150000 DTSTAMP:20250528T005007Z CREATED:20250527T053759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T005007Z UID:65236-1752588000-1752591600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 15 July DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-winter-festival-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Ballarat Winter Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250708T150000 DTSTAMP:20250528T005150Z CREATED:20250317T032147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T005150Z UID:62936-1751983200-1751986800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 8 July DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-winter-festival-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Winter Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250603T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250701T150000 DTSTAMP:20250527T053004Z CREATED:20250113T050930Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T053004Z UID:61155-1748959200-1751382000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-may-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250521T120000 DTSTAMP:20250321T070359Z CREATED:20250317T031650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070359Z UID:62934-1747825200-1747828800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T070422Z CREATED:20250113T050453Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070422Z UID:61152-1747749600-1747753200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T110000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250520T120000 DTSTAMP:20250321T070405Z CREATED:20250317T030244Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T070405Z UID:62929-1747738800-1747742400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-ballarat-heritage-fest-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T015148Z CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250415T150000 DTSTAMP:20250331T230249Z CREATED:20250106T033654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T230249Z UID:60933-1744725600-1744729200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-jan-jun-2025/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T223000 DTSTAMP:20250321T211619Z CREATED:20241006T223455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211619Z UID:59336-1732397400-1732401000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 4 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241123T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T211621Z CREATED:20241006T223241Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T211621Z UID:59334-1732390200-1732393800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-nov-23/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T223000 DTSTAMP:20250321T221153Z CREATED:20241006T223714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221153Z UID:59338-1729891800-1729895400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-oct-25-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241025T203000 DTSTAMP:20250321T221156Z CREATED:20241006T222136Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T221156Z UID:59326-1729884600-1729888200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-oct-25/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Night Tours,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T153000 DTSTAMP:20240710T061305Z CREATED:20240702T054436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240710T061305Z UID:56811-1728052200-1728055800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Tour 3 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tour-seniors-festival-3/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/new-tour-brochure-image-pink-e1719898410896.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T133000 DTSTAMP:20240710T061440Z CREATED:20240702T054418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240710T061440Z UID:56810-1728045000-1728048600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Tour 2 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tour-seniors-festival-2/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/new-tour-brochure-image-pink-e1719898410896.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T103000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241004T113000 DTSTAMP:20250325T082955Z CREATED:20240702T030331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T082955Z UID:56794-1728037800-1728041400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tour of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Tour 1 DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tour-seniors-festival-1/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Festival,Fundraiser,Tours,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/new-tour-brochure-image-pink-e1719898410896.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20240528T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241029T150000 DTSTAMP:20240229T032043Z CREATED:20240229T025811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240229T032043Z UID:51849-1716904800-1730214000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Series DESCRIPTION:Lantern Vaults \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n May 30\n\n \n\n @ \n\n\n10:00 am\n\n \n\n\n\n \n - \n\n11:00 am\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n$25 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Basement* \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus bkg. fee \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lantern Vaults \n \n A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The work is shaped by historical research and guided by the voice of Florence Batten\, the twelve- year-old daughter of William Henry Batten\, Secretary of the Institute\, and based in the early 1870s. As visitors move through the vaults\, her story unfolds through image\, light and sound\, offering a glimpse into early Ballarat and the Batten family’s story. \n \n The installation is built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project\, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family\, the Institute and the cultural life of the period. \n \n At its centre is a family closely connected to the Institute\, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people\, and this work reflects that shift\, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Experience Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n Two sessions: 30 May at: 10:00am &  11:00am (aporoximately 25 minute duration). \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n Art for sale \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WH Batten at Desk c1871 | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Auctioneer\, BMI Art Union | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Florence Batten & baby Sarah | Amanda Western\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Original artworks from Lantern Vaults will be available for sale with 10% of sales going to the BMI. These funds help support the ongoing committment – To providing a unique place to engage with history\, and a vibrant hub for community events. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets $25 per person plus bkg fees. Visitors are to meet in the BMI Foyer. The experience duration is approximately 25 minutes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Get Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility: \nMuch of this experience is not wheelchair accessible. The journey to the basements does involve stairs. The tour is not Auslan interpreted\, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. \nBMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the artist \n \n \n Amanda Western\n \n \n \n Amanda Western is a visual artist based in Ballarat\, whose work explores the relationship between people and the land. Through printmaking\, I reflect on ecological fragility\, resilience and the shifting nature of landscape\, extending traditional print processes across new materials and forms. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work\, learn and create. Always Was\, Always Will Be\, Aboriginal Land. URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-copy-2-2-copy/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR