Thousands of people experienced a taste of Ballarat at a pop-up shop in Melbourne throughout April as part of a new tourism campaign showcasing the city's creatives.
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More than 5000 people explored the Made of Ballarat Pop-Up Shop on Little Collins Street during its opening from March 29 to April 24.
The shop featured an eclectic collection of items from shoe-maker Wootten, wood-smith Paul Ryle, knife maker Adam Parker, winemaker Owen Latta, artists Pitcha Makin Fellas, ceramicist Ruby Pilven, jewellery-maker Very Penelope and more.
Visit Ballarat head of marketing Lucy Ibrahim said the team was 'extremely happy' with the response to the store, the sale of artisan products and the attendance at meet the maker workshops run in store.
"It has been fantastic maximising our presence in such a key market for us from a visitation perspective," she said.
"There was anticipation for it to open and once it was open the craftsmanship of the city really shone through.
"When I was in the store during its first week I had people tell me 'we have been waiting for this to open', 'we think it looks beautiful' and 'my daughter went to university in Ballarat and I want her to see what Ballarat is doing now'."
A consistent set of staff who worked in the Made of Ballarat store throughout the four week period have contributed their feedback to Visit Ballarat and Visit Ballarat staff were at the store on a weekly basis. Foot traffic and sales will be reported to Visit Victoria.
Data shows Kilderkin Distillery gin, Very Penelope handcrafted clay earrings and Ruby Pilven ceramics were among the strongest sales at the store.
Watch the Made of Ballarat teaser video below.
Ms Ibrahim said the Made of Ballarat artisan series and other Ballarat drawcards like the Heritage Weekend and Plate Up Ballarat were promoted in store to encourage shoppers to visit Ballarat.
"First the store worked to get people interested in Ballarat by demonstrating its creative movement, then we gave them the specific inspiration to plan their trip," she said.
The Made of Ballarat Pop-Up Shop was run with funding from Visit Victoria's Regional Events and Innovation Fund in partnership with Visit Ballarat.
Ms Ibrahim said the Visit Ballarat team was considering plans to bring the Made of Ballarat Pop-Up Shop to Ballarat.
Meanwhile, Made of Ballarat workshops with artisans and creators are continuing in Ballarat, with sessions hosted by Pitcha Makin Fellas, Green Woodsmith, Kilderkin Distillery and Bakcyard Beekeeping scheduled during the next few months.
For more information and workshop details, visit madeofballarat.com.au.
READ THE STORIES OF BALLARAT'S ARTISANS AND CREATORS HERE.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
