So, you want to apply for a Ballarat Evolve space for your arts or creative practice?

The Ballarat Evolve Board meet once a month. They discuss applications and decide on suitable candidates for all available spaces and advise candidates of the outcome within 2 weeks.

The submissions fall into several categories:

  1. Artists seeking studio / rehearsal space (quiet, not open to the public)

  2. Artists seeking gallery and exhibition space (public facing, not always staffed)

  3. Creative industries seeking retail spaces (shopfronts and high street retail)

Based on feedback from past applicants, we have altered our application process and fee structure. Please see our new application process below.

Please note, the most efficient way for us to find a space for you is for you to complete the application form first, so that we can assess your needs and suitability for the program.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

STEP 1: Prepare your application and complete your research

Ballarat Evolve is about matching landlords looking for short-term tenants with local creative businesses and organisations with temporary business tenancy while they are growing into their next phase.

Read our way of working and make sure you understand what costs might be involved.

STEP 2: Complete the application form

Complete our application form in advance and closely consider the questions asked.

It’s very important you fill in the form thoroughly so that our Board members can review your application to assess whether you are a good candidate for the next step in the application process and an appropriate fit for the Evolve program.

STEP 3: Attend an interview with one of our Board members

We ask candidates to attend an interview session with us to discuss their application. This is a casual chat for 15 minutes to explore your needs. You’ll learn about the following:

  • Current spaces available

  • The Board members and how they decide on your application

  • Next steps in the application process

  • A chance to ask questions 

Make sure you bring along:

  • A breakdown of your specific needs within a space

  • The goals you have for your business and creative practice over the next 2-3 years

  • Copy of your business accounts (if happy to share)

  • Explanation of how you believe your organisation or practice will benefit from securing a Ballarat Evolve location in the next 1 and 2 years

STEP 4: Pay your search fee

Once you are approved as a successful applicant, you are required to pay a search fee to cover the administration costs that we undertake as a not-for-profit organisation. This is a $50 non-refundable payment, which supports the funding we require for Ballarat Evolve programs.

Please remember that even though we have vacancies, we may not have a space which is suitable for you at the time of your application. Many people wait a long time for appropriate spaces to become available. For example, some candidates we can allocate a space to immediately whilst others will wait numerous months.

STEP 5: Attend inspections with Board Members

One of our Board Members will contact you when we find a suitable space that matches your requirements for you to inspect. This will continue until you find a match, at which point Ballarat Evolve will assist in setting up a license arrangement between you (or your organisation) and the landlord.

Please bear in mind that Ballarat Evolve has vastly more enquiries for spaces than vacant spaces.