The Wheeler Centre’s 2017/2018 program kicks off next month with children’s writing and illustration workshops at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka. The Wheeler Centre is the world’s first dedicated centre for books, writing and ideas. 

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will bring An Evening with the MSO to Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts in October.

The state government grant will support Ballarat performing arts as well as regional tours by flagship organisations.

MSO’s associate conductor Ben Northey is from Ballarat, as are many of the orchestra’s musicians. 

“Ballarat is recognised as a leading regional culture centre and we are thrilled to be involved in the cultural development of this Victorian hotspot," MSO managing director Sophie Galaise said.

“We might be called the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra but we are the state’s orchestra and we are proud to engage with Ballarat in 2017 and beyond. Personally I am already looking forward to discovering where to find the best coffee spots in town.”

Under the Love Umbrella Storytelling and Illustration Workshop for children aged five to ten and Alan Brough’s Charlie and the Karaoke Cockroaches for children aged seven to twelve will be held at MADE on Wednesday 12 July. An Evening with the MSO is on Monday, October 16 and features Michael Collins (director) and Lloyd Van’t Hoff on clarinet.