Apply for a Space with Ballarat Evolve

The submissions for spaces fall into the following 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)

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 evolving their practice into the next phase.

STEP 2: Complete the application form

Complete the application form 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 candidate and an appropriate fit for the Evolve program.

The Ballarat Evolve Board meets once a month. They discuss applications and decide on suitable candidates for all available spaces and advise candidates of the outcome as soon as possible.

STEP 3: Attend an interview with one (or more) of our Board members

We request candidates attend a casual interview with us to discuss their application. This is an informal discussion for about 15 minutes to explore your needs. We will discuss:

• Current spaces available

• The Board members and how they decide on your application

• Next steps in the application process

• And you have a chance to ask any questions

We ask that you bring along:

• Details 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 available and you’re comfortable sharing)

• Further information about how you believe your business and creative 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 by the Board 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 applicants wait a long time for appropriate spaces to become available. Some candidates we can allocate a space to immediately whilst others will wait many 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.

Not ready to apply but want more information?

Use the form below.