What’s hiding in Civic Hall this July?

Something unexpected is taking over Ballarat’s Civic Hall this winter, and it’s waiting to be discovered.

From 10-12 July, HIDDEN returns, inviting audiences to step beyond the ordinary and into a shifting world of air, colour and imagination, where nothing is quite what it seems.

Presented by Creative Ballarat, HIDDEN is an artist development program culminating in a three-day micro festival where six local artists unveil ambitious new works created especially for the space.

Following a competitive application process, the selected artists have been undergoing in-depth education, training and mentoring to build new skills in contemporary public art, material experimentation and large-scale installation.  

The resulting exhibition will feature seven large inflatable artworks by local artists Jay Kulbardi, Annelìse Belladonna, Ben Pennell, Tom Bell, Kathy Holowko, Meaghan Shelton alongside their mentor Dr. David Cross, inviting audiences into a sensory experience of colour, sound and surprise.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said HIDDEN is a fantastic example of how we’re supporting our local artists to grow their practice while creating something truly exciting for the community to experience.  

“Through this program, local artists are building new skills, experimenting with innovative ideas and presenting work at an impressive scale,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see that development translated into a public experience that everyone can be part of.”

Supported by mentor Dr. David Cross, Professor of Visual Arts and Research Leader of the Public Exchange Bureau at Deakin University, and Mikael Abromowitch, industrial designer with Giant Inflatables, HIDDEN continues to highlight Ballarat’s growing reputation as a hub for contemporary arts and creative experimentation, while providing meaningful pathways for local artists to develop and present new work.

HIDDEN debuted in 2025 with a one-day-only, sold-out event.  

HIDDEN 2026 returns as a 90-minute-long experience suitable for all ages, with tickets on sale now via the Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat website.  

Timed entry sessions run every 15 minutes with limited capacity, creating an intimate and immersive experience, so bookings are essential.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for young people aged 12-18 and free for children under 12. Whether you’re curious about contemporary art or simply looking for something different to do this winter, HIDDEN offers a space to explore, wander and discover something new.