Community

Events & Workshops

Home

Learning Program Index

Meet the instructors

Search

Centre for Rare Arts and Forgotten Trades acknowledges the Wadawurrung people as the Traditional custodians of the land on which we operate. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to all of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live and work on Wadawurrung Country. We acknowledge their unceded sovereignty over Wadawurrung Country, and the ongoing hardship and trauma as a result of colonisation. The history and continuous culture of the Wadawurrung people is an important part of our shared story.

Australian Flags

We’re open during workshop hours to participants only.

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to receive the latest news.

Rare Trades Centre05 11 22 23

Sign up to our mailing list to be the first to receive latest news.

Email Address

Your Name

Postcode

Phone (optional)

Which workshops are you interested in?

All ages

Step inside Australia's beating heart of heritage arts and trades at the Rare Trades Centre Open Day — our exclusive annual event that opens the workshop doors to the public.Celebrate three remarkable years of making, learning, and growing with us. Since our opening in 2022, we’ve expanded from 20 workshops to 150, from eight artisans to more than 40 nationally, and from over 260 participants to nearly 1,000 from across Australia and beyond. <h2>WHAT'S ON</h2>

Explore our studios and watch a selection of workshops in progress, from <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/indigo/">indigo dyeing</a> and <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/silversmithing-ring/">silversmithing</a>, to <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-white-coopering-bucket-making/">white coopering (bucket making)</a>, and <a href="https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/introduction-to-paper-cutting/">paper-cutting</a>.

Step further behind the scenes to explore Sovereign Hill’s renowned Chinese collections, featuring rare 1890s processional textiles, clothing, and one of Australia’s oldest dragons. Time: 2pm | Cost: $20 per person Bookings: Bookings essential. Tickets available <a href="https://www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/back-of-house-tours/">online</a>

Chinese Collection Tour

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide you through the Centre and share stories about our artisans, programs, and what’s coming up in 2026.

Wear Out Fashion 17

Get a sneak peek at our 2026 workshop highlights — and have the first opportunity to book into next year’s activities.

Cane Rod Workshop 38 2

Rare Trades Centre Image from outside with logo

Ever wondered what we're all about?  Find out at our public open day.

Metal

Wood

Fibre

Decorative Arts

Fashion & Textiles

Leather

The Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades - 383 – 389 Bradshaw Street, Ballarat VIC 3350

Event

generator

Ever wondered what we're all about? Find out at our public open day.

description

referrer

robots

https://www.raretradescentre.com.au/events/open-day/

https://cdn.raretradescentre.com.au/_1200x630_crop_center-center_82_none_ns/Rare-Trades-Centre_Image-from-outside-with-logo.jpg?mtime=1685335830

twitter:card

twitter:creator

twitter:title

twitter:description

https://cdn.raretradescentre.com.au/_800x418_crop_center-center_82_none_ns/Rare-Trades-Centre_Image-from-outside-with-logo.jpg?mtime=1685335830

Public Open Day

You might also be interested in

Pecha Kucha Series

What Kind of Courage?

Silversmithing - Ring Making

Buckled Leather Pouch