Historical information

The University of Ballarat (later Federation University_ inherited the Camp Street Arts Precinct. As the functions of the former public buildings were moved elsewhere, the Victorian Government of the time recognised the importance of maintaining the heritage buildings and the opportunity to create a cultural precinct extending from the Art Gallery. The 19th century architecture along Lydiard Street and the dogleg bend of Camp Street define the precinct. With substantial financial assistance from both State and Commonwealth Governments, the Art Gallery Ballarat has been extended through to include the 1884 Police Station on Camp Street. The Post Office building (1864-1887) was acquired for the University. The 1904 and 1941 Courthouses and the c1900 Public Library building were also included. Two new buildings have been constructed. These six buildings will house the University's Visual and Performing Arts Programs

Physical description

Coloured postcard size photograph of Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria, unveiling the plaque at the opening of the University of Ballarat Arts Academy, Camp Street.

.1) L to R Kerry Cox (Vice Chancellor); Brendan Nelson (Federal Minister - Education); Chancellor David Caro; Steve Bracks, Premier of Victoria. Photographer Ian Reid