Forget traditional gallery walls and velvet ropes. This July, Ballarat’s historic Civic Hall will be transformed into a sprawling world of inflatable art as Hidden 2026 returns with an immersive festival experience unlike anything else on the regional arts calendar.
Running from 10 to 12 July, the three-day event invites visitors to step inside a dreamlike landscape of air-filled installations, where touching, wandering and interacting are all part of the experience. Rather than simply viewing artworks from a distance, guests are encouraged to move through the space, exploring a series of large-scale inflatable creations that blur the line between art, play and imagination.
Following the sell-out success of its debut event last year, Hidden returns with a bold new direction, bringing together six local artists to create an environment that is as playful as it is thought-provoking.
The line-up showcases a diverse range of creative voices. Jay Kulbardi explores themes of identity and cultural storytelling, while Annelîse Belladonna fills the space with gothic-inspired surreal worlds. Ben Pennell draws attention to the joy of making, Tom Bell incorporates movement and cinematic influences, Kathy Holowko examines our relationship with the natural world, and Meaghan Shelton transforms ideas of home, memory and textiles into immersive forms.
Produced by Mikael Abromowitch and Justin Weyers, with mentorship from Dr David Cross, the festival turns Civic Hall into a sensory playground where every corner reveals something unexpected.
Timed sessions run every 15 minutes throughout the weekend, with limited numbers helping to create an intimate and immersive atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
