Ballarat’s diverse creative scene has received a boost thanks to a $13,689 grant to Ballaarat Mechanics Institute through the Andrews Government’s Small Regional Presenters program.

Labor Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, said Ballaarat Mechanics Institute is one of 13 community groups across the state that have received support to bring five exciting performance to Ballarat.

The five performances will be held between August 2019 and March 2020 and includes:

• Solo harpist Mary Doumany.
• Cheryl Durongpisitkul’s contemporary jazz group.
• Solo accordionist Anthony Schulz.
• Michelle Nicolle Frettet’s jazz group.
• Brazilian music group Entre Tango Duo and the Dany Maia Group.

Ms Addison said the Small Regional Presenters Program enables regionally-based community groups, venues and organisations to attract artists and performances to their local community.

“Ballaarat Mechanics Institute is one of our iconic local venues and I’m delighted this grant has been secured to further strengthen our local creative scene,” Ms Addison said.

“Victoria is the creative state and the Small Regional Presenters program is one way we are ensuring the Ballarat community gets to enjoy the benefits of creative and cultural participation,” she said.

Ballarat Mechanics Institute Venues and Facilities Coordinator, Sam McColl, said the funding will help bring a fantastic program of music to Ballarat.

“The music that will be showcased will be a mix of contemporary jazz, world music and new sounds. All concerts will be taking place in the warm, historic setting of our Humffray Room,” Mr McColl said.

“We are grateful for the support that has been offered to us to make sure this event is successful. These events will really highlight the talent that we have and show off the amazing building that truly belongs to the Ballarat community,” he said.