New Ballarat Centre for Photography is ready for its close up

The National Centre for Photography is now open in Ballarat. It's a major new cultural attraction that will bring world-class photography to regional Victoria.

It will also boost tourism and support the region’s growing reputation as one of the state’s leading arts destinations.

Stage 1 has restored the former 1860s heritage-listed Union Bank Building in Ballarat’s iconic arts precinct. It's set to become Australia’s leading destination for photography. It will draw local, interstate and international visitors, artists and creative partners to regional Victoria.

What did Stage 1 include?

• restoration of the ground floor and building facade, including essential heritage make-safe works
• delivery of accessible, international-class gallery spaces
• creation of a multipurpose space for exhibitions, office use and community learning.

Supported by $6.7 million through the Tourism Infrastructure Program, the project created 10 jobs during construction.

The National Centre for Photography builds on the success of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Now, instead of a biennale festival, it has a permanent home as a year-round museum and exhibition space.

The opening exhibition features work by GroupFoto. It's a new youth initiative of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

The program brings together young artists aged 12 to 25 years old from Ballarat and regional Victoria to help shape youth engagement through:

• workshops
• mentoring
• creative collaboration.

Plan your next trip to the National Centre for Photography.