Media Release
Ceridwen Dover, Kylie Kwong and Ainslie Murray join Powerhouse Associate program
Award-winning writer Ceridwen Dovey, renowned Australian-Chinese chef and restaurateur Kylie Kwong and artist and academic Ainslie Murray join the 2024 Powerhouse Associate Program.
This initiative enables practitioners of the applied arts and sciences to enrich their practice through collaboration with Powerhouse curatorial, collections, digitisation, exhibitions and program teams.
Writer Ceridwen Dovey will develop and deliver stories of Powerhouse Parramatta’s establishment. Drawing on her experience as a science writer, Dovey’s key focus areas will include the opening program of Powerhouse Parramatta, its exhibitions as well as creative non-fiction writing that will connect the Powerhouse Collection to audiences in new ways.
Using food as a catalyst for positive social impact and cultural exchange, Kylie Kwong will develop and deliver three key projects across food, learning and residency programs. These projects will see Kwong explore the dynamic Chinese communities of Western Sydney, capture and celebrate the rich culinary traditions in the Indian community in and around Harris Park and develop a food education program for years 7-12 students.
Artist Ainslie Murray, who is based in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture at UNSW Sydney, will creatively visualise and document the public’s encounter with the new architecture at Powerhouse Castle Hill. Murray will capture multiple voices and perspectives while highlighting the less visible aspects of architectural space.
The Powerhouse Associates program contributes to the renewal of the Powerhouse and the future of contemporary museum practice. Associates are selected through a EOI process and assessed by a panel consisting of an external sector representative and the Powerhouse.
The three new associates will join existing Powerhouse Associates Julie Gibbs, Agatha Gothe-Snape and Zan Wimberley.
Gibbs, a renowned author and editor is collaborating with the Powerhouse to develop the Powerhouse Australian Culinary Archive, artist Agatha Gothe-Snape's program of work integrates across the development of future exhibitions and programs while photographer Zan Wimberley captures and documents the construction of the ground-breaking Powerhouse Parramatta.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, 'Powerhouse is excited to welcome our three new Associates to the program, their work will strengthen the museum’s commitment to enriching the communities of Western Sydney. Since its inception, the Powerhouse has connected communities with industry and this program demonstrates how the museum can play a vital role in supporting and documenting industry innovation.’
Writer Ceridwen Dovey said ‘It is such a joyful honour to be part of Powerhouse’s bold and brilliant mission, and to be embedded as a creative writer within the Powerhouse Writing program.’
Chef Kylie Kwong said, ‘After three decades as a chef and restaurateur in the hospitality industry, I am beyond excited to be entering this new chapter in collaboration with the visionary Powerhouse. As a continuation of my long-held passion for food, First Nations, art, culture and connection this feels like a natural next step. Through the lens of food, a simple yet universal connector that brings us together, embedding in community and forging meaningful and authentic connections with the diverse communities of Western Sydney, my aim is to help amplify voices and inspire individuals and industries to discover their richness, and create and share their stories and objects.’
Artist Ainslie Murray said, ‘I am thrilled to continue my connection with the Powerhouse as an Associate. Over the next year I will be developing an artwork based upon collective architectural experience at Powerhouse Castle Hill. I’ll be looking to the atmospheres, ecologies and cultural histories that define the current and future relevance of this building. This work will show the Powerhouse community something of the architectural story they are now participating in.'
Learn more about the 2024 Powerhouse Associates, https://ph.au/4bTRnPx
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.