Media Release
Neilson Foundation Donates $5M to Powerhouse Parramatta
NSW Premier Chris Minns today alongside Minister for the Arts John Graham, Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis announced a major $5 million donation from the Neilson Foundation to Powerhouse Parramatta.
The Neilson Foundation’s generous contribution will establish the Neilson Foundation Gallery at Powerhouse Parramatta and enable the creation of The Dark, a new landmark exhibition for children that will premiere with the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta in 2026.
Featuring the magical diversity of the Powerhouse Collection, The Dark is being creatively led by Tony-nominated, award-winning director and writer Kip Williams and acclaimed designer Elizabeth Gadsby. The Dark, presented over 3 years, is being designed for kids aged 4 to 10, asking them to bravely step into extraordinary worlds that will redefine immersive experiences for young people.
Neilson Foundation Chair, Kerr Neilson said, ‘We are proud to support Powerhouse Parramatta as exhibition partner for this immersive and innovative cultural experience for young audiences. Having the exhibition space carry the Neilson Foundation name reflects our shared commitment to fostering curiosity and learning in the next generation and supporting institutions that lead through innovation and imagination.’
NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said, ‘This visionary partnership with the Neilson Foundation not only honours the history and legacy of the Powerhouse — it propels it forward and builds on our shared commitment to building the next generation of thinkers, creators and innovators.’
The Dark’s creative team Kip Williams and Elizabeth Gadsby said, ‘We are incredibly excited to create The Dark for Powerhouse Parramatta. This unique, immersive experience invites intergenerational audiences into a space of storytelling, knowledge discovery and imagination — grounded in an exploration of the Powerhouse Collection. We are honoured to be part of the opening of this extraordinary new building and thrilled that our exhibition will serve as a gateway for many young audiences to begin a lifelong relationship with Powerhouse. We can’t wait to share stories from The Dark with audiences in Western Sydney and beyond — and to hear the stories they share with us in return.’
Powerhouse Trust President David Borger OAM said, ‘I thank the Neilson Foundation for its generous investment into Powerhouse Parramatta, which is a powerful endorsement of what the museum represents for Western Sydney and NSW. The Foundation’s support will enable us to create a new space for young people and families, and we’re proud to partner with an organisation that shares our vision for access, innovation and learning.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘The Neilson Foundation’s visionary support of Powerhouse Parramatta will enable us to deliver a groundbreaking cultural experience for our youngest audiences. As exhibition presenting partner of The Dark, the Foundation is collaborating with us to reimagine what an exhibition for children can be — immersive, collaborative and engaging. We are incredibly proud to name this new exhibition space in the Foundation’s honour.’
Following the announcement, a ceremony was held to mark a major construction milestone, the final topping out of Powerhouse Parramatta. This construction tradition was marked by the ceremonial placement of an Australian pine tree at the highest point of the structure by project delivery partner Lendlease celebrating the new museum reaching its full 75m height.
Since construction began, Powerhouse Parramatta has generated more than $300 million in contracts to NSW businesses — over half to Western Sydney companies — and has supported more than 2500 workers who have delivered over 1.45 million hours on site. The project continues to exceed social impact targets, with women representing 4.1% of trades roles — double the national average — and First Nations employment reaching 5.8% — triple the original target.
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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.
About Neilson Foundation
The Neilson Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation committed to fostering a more creative, compassionate and equitable society. Established with a deep belief in the power of the arts and community to enrich lives, the Foundation supports initiatives that drive cultural vibrancy, social justice and educational opportunity. Its funding spans a range of sectors — from championing Australian artists and arts organisations, to backing innovative social impact programs that empower marginalised communities. With a long-term, values-driven approach, the Foundation partners with organisations that are bold in vision and grounded in integrity.