This will be the first year Ballarat has played host to this brand new art biennale, but we feel that we can already confidently declare it the daytrip of every Melbourne art lover's dreams. The only problem might be that it could take you a little more than a day to get around all of Ballarat and take in the works from more than 150 artists, across three different "villages". Much like a European biennale, the Biennale of Australian Art will properly take over Ballarat, with 14 different venues playing host to artworks.
There'll be plenty of big names at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, including sculptures from David Jensz and the always colourful Pip & Pop, as well as works from the NT-based Numina Sisters and Ballarat's own Kim Anderson and Marlene Gilson. Abdul-Rahman Abdullah and his younger brother Abdul Abdullah will both show work at the George Farmer Building, and Louise Paramor's bright pop-inspired sculptures will be at the Ballarat Welcome Centre.
For those who prefer their art al fresco, there'll be a sculpture walk around the beautiful Lake Wendouree, with 36 works from artists all around Australia. And for fashion lovers, there's a "Living Sculpture Fashion Parade" on October 6.
The Biennale of Australian Art claims to be "the largest ever showcase of living Australian artists", and as far as we can figure out, that claim checks out. Have a look at the full program here and make a few plans before you jump in the car and head west.