Lantern Vaults was a site responsive immersive installation delivered in the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute during the 2026 Ballarat Heritage Festival
Audiences descended beneath the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute into the basement and vaults to enter the hidden world of the Batten family.
These subterranean spaces became the setting for an intimate, atmospheric experience. Set in the 1870s, an animated projection unfolded across the vaulted rooms, drawing on original artworks by Amanda Western and the voice of twelve-year-old Florence Ellen Bat
The installation was built from original artworks created by local artist Amanda Western for this project, drawing on historical photographs and records of the family, the Institute and the cultural life of the period.
At its centre was a family closely connected to the Institute, at a time when access to learning was beginning to open out. The Mechanics’ Institute was founded to bring knowledge within reach of ordinary people, and this work reflected that shift, how learning moved beyond a small few and into the wider community.
Lantern Vault Partners
Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
The BMI graciously opened the basement and vaults for this exclusive Ballarat Heritage Festival event. They provided inkind support including staff and volunteer support and access to their archives for research to develop the narrative and associated artworks.
City of Ballarat
The City of Ballarat provided grant funding from the Creative Inspirations grant stream and the Heritage Festival stream to support the installation. This is greatly appreciated as it meant I could bring this experience to the Heritage Festival visitors at no cost.