Visit Ballarat has launched a new artisan focused destination campaign, Made of Ballarat from independent agency Town Square.
In a bid to entice more Melburnians to visit and explore Ballarat, located a 90 minute drive North West of central Melbourne, the campaign showcases the city’s artisans, makers and creators through a variety of media including cinema, creative events, documentary video and publications.
Town Square’s brief was to highlight the creative spirit of Ballarat and encourage reappraisal of the regional city by discerning Melburnians, the campaign aims to cultivate increasing visitation of cultural travellers to Ballarat.
“This first phase of the campaign is about celebrating the people and produce – the creativity, productivity and craftsmanship – born of the same magical soil that produced one of history’s richest gold rushes”, says Brendan Day, creative director, Town Square.
Noel Dempsey, CEO, Visit Ballarat, explained that Made of Ballarat “celebrates the city’s new generation of creators, makers and artisans – those who are challenging the status quo and inspiring positive change while staying true to the rich cultural history that Ballarat is indeed made from. Ballarat has always been known as a city laden with history, but it’s mostly locals that truly appreciate the creative energy that exists, and has always existed, here”.
He added, “Visit Ballarat wanted to create a destination positioning campaign that would demonstrate to those living in Melbourne, and beyond, that there is an undercurrent of imagination that pervades our region. We are encouraging Melbourne’s curious and experimental cultural connoisseurs to escape the city life and indulge in a unique experience. Made of Ballarat has been designed with Ballarat’s true essence in mind – we are the place where progressive artisans create earthly riches.”
Day continued: “Melbourne, as we know it today, is arguably Made of Ballarat. As was much of Australia’s early wealth. Any regional city that has had that sort of influence on today’s culture is pretty amazing. Unfortunately, most people don’t give Ballarat its due credit. But we’d like to change that.”
