Balla’arat 1907: Hidden History in Motion

Balla'arat 1907: Hidden History in Motion is a free, large-scale outdoor projection installation that transports audiences into the cinematic heart of Balla'arat's historic centre. Featuring early recorded film footage of Sturt and Bridge Streets, the work draws from rare images recently cleaned and restored by the National Film and Sound Archive. Projected onto the heritage façade of Police Lane, the footage offers fleeting glimpses of bustling street life in 1907—quietly bringing early twentieth century Balla'arat into view.

Exclusive to the 2026 Ballarat Heritage Festival, Balla'arat 1907 embodies the theme Hidden Histories by illuminating scenes of everyday life often overshadowed by the dominant gold rush narrative. It invites residents and visitors to see, feel and briefly connect with Balla'arat's remarkable past.