Vanessa Gerrans of Foto Bienalle 18/5/23 Gallery

We were thrilled to hear from the CEO of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, Vanessa Gerrans last week. Vanessa was accompanied by Kate O'Hehir,partner of Club member,Damian.

Damian chaired the presentation.Vanessa provided an enthralling verbal and visual presentation in which she overviewed the upcoming Foto Biennale to be run from August 26 to October 22 this year. This year will be the 10th anniversary of the Foto Biennale being held in Ballarat. Vanessa explained how the event is unique to Ballarat as it will encompass a range of venues in addition to the event's headquarters in Union Bank building in Lydiard Street. These venues will include both outdoor settings as well as up to 100 local venues such as cafes and restaurants.

Over 100 artists will be featured ranging from local exhibitors to featured international photographers. An additional feature of the Foto Biennale will be a display of the works of First Nations photographers.

Vanessa explained their vision to establish the National Centre for Photography in the Union Bank building and as yet to be constructed addition along Bath Lane. The Centre promises to be a major draw card to attract visitors to Ballarat in the coming years. Now that we have had the privilege of being granted an up close and personal insight into the Foto Biennale, I am sure we will make a point of attending the activities on offer and maybe also offering our services as volunteers to assist the in running of this amazing event.