Acknowledgement of Country

Ballarat International Foto Biennale acknowledges the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and create. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and honour the deep traditions of storytelling, culture and connection held by First Nations peoples across Australia.

Education Offering

GroupFoto

GroupFoto 2026-2027 members: Beau (right of CEO Vanessa Gerrans), Kherington, Rhys, Sophia, Nia (speaking) and Max presenting the 2026 Ballarat Youth Photography Prize awards. Photograph by Sunflower Imaging Photo Studio.

 

Ballarat International Foto Biennale’s Youth Council

Established in 2026, GroupFoto gives 12 participants aged 14-18 from Victoria’s Central Highlands the opportunity scenes of a major arts festival and help shape how it connects with young people.

GroupFoto provides opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making, develop skills and gain experience in the arts. Members work with the Biennale team to develop and deliver projects, while advocating for greater youth inclusion and participation in the organisation.

The Ballarat International Foto Biennale acknowledges the support of the Department of Education, Victoria, through the Strategic Partnerships Program.

 

What does GroupFoto do?

Ballarat Youth Photography Prize 2026

Ballarat Youth Photography Prize 2026. Photograph by Sunflower Imaging Photo Studio.

GroupFoto developed the inaugural Ballarat Youth Photography Award, inviting young people aged 12–25 from Ballarat and surrounds to submit their photographs to be in the running for cash prizes.

Members contributed to the award’s development and judging. All eligible entries were exhibited at the National Centre for Photography during the September school holidays.

Learn more about the Ballarat Youth Photography Prize.

 

2027 Ballarat International Foto Biennale School Holiday Photography Program

GroupFoto will develop and deliver a free photography program during the September 2027 school holidays as part of that year’s Ballarat International Foto Biennale.

Members will contribute to programming decisions, including the selection of activities and artists, and help deliver events for other young people.

 

Learning and Development

GroupFoto provides opportunities for members to develop skills in photography, curatorship, event planning and arts administration.

Members can also contribute to other Biennale activities according to their interests and availability, including artist interviews, exhibitions and social media projects.

Through workshops, mentoring and practical experience, the program supports members to explore their interests and develop skills relevant to further study and employment.

GroupFoto members receive $250 per year as an acknowledgement of their contribution to the program.

 

Register Your Interest

While we’re not currently recruiting new GroupFoto members, there may be opportunities to participate in activities during 2027. Recruitment for the next Youth Council cohort is anticipated in 2028.

Email Education & Public Engagement Coordinator Christine McFetridge at education@ballaratfoto.org or call (+61) 3 5331 4833 to register your interest.