Media Release
Powerhouse and the Cité internationale des arts announce galang Residency 2025
Powerhouse and the Cité internationale des arts, Paris, have today announced applications are open for the third year of the prestigious galang residency, a program that supports Australia-based First Nations creatives to undertake work in Paris through two, three-month residencies between June – August and July – September 2025.
The fully supported residency hosted by the Cité internationale des arts is aimed at First Nations creatives working across disciplines including, but not limited to, visual arts, weaving, performance, poetry, dance and music. The galang program will provide opportunities for practitioners to enhance connections across industry and individual creative practice through research and the development of new work.
The 2024 program attracted submissions from a high calibre of multidisciplinary practitioners, with Sydney-based Worimi and Biripi guri architect Jack Gillmer and multidisciplinary Yuggera and Biri artist from Brisbane, Jody Rallah both offered residences.
Galang residency 2024 recipient Jack Gillmer said, ‘The galang residency provided the rare commodity of time with little distractions, while being supported and surrounded by creativity and space to discover the innovative mindset potential we all have. The opportunity is of endless possibilities that enable residents to realise their superpower to influence their discipline and interests to create change.’
Galang residency 2024 recipient Jody Rallah said, ‘The residency gifted me access to institutions, industry professionals, different cultures, a broader understanding of systems outside of the Australian continent, and global connections unlike anywhere else. Most of all, the residency gave me the opportunity to learn, experience and connect, and to see what it means to create bridges of language cross-culturally.’
The 2025 galang residency selection panel will consist of Head of the Residency Department Cité internationale des arts Vincent Gonzalvez, Powerhouse Adjunct Curator Brook Garru Andrew, and Powerhouse Acting Director First Nations Beau James.
Powerhouse Adjunct Curator Brook Garru Andrew said, 'The galang residency was a dream, to imbed an Australian Indigenous creative residency in the middle of Europe, Paris, to collaborate with other arts professionals and for an Indigenous artist to be surrounded by an international community. The galang think tank which produced two publications, led by international Indigenous scholars, artists and thinkers, was the launch pad for this residency. I'm deeply grateful for all those who have inspired and now support this important residency program where Australian Indigenous creatives shine and expand on their practice and networks.’
General Director, Cité internationale des arts, Bénédicte Alliot said, ‘As we approach our 60th anniversary in 2025, we are honoured to welcome First Nations artists from Australia for the third edition of the galang residency program we share with Powerhouse. This milestone offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the power of cross-cultural exchange and the profound creativity that emerges when diverse voices come together. We are deeply inspired by the unique perspectives these artists have brought, and how their work resonates within our community.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah said, ‘Powerhouse is proud of our ongoing partnership with the Cité internationale des arts, which will continue to support First Nations creative practices through the galang residency. Over the past two years, this program has enriched the development of new work and provided opportunities to visualise different solutions for significant contemporary issues. We look forward to seeing the residency outcomes in 2025.’
Applications are open until 5pm AEDT, 31 January 2025. Successful applicants will be announced in March 2025. For information on application requirements and how to submit, visit powerhouse.com.au/galang-residency
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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 Cité internationale des arts
The Cité internationale des arts is an artists' residency that brings together artists in the heart of Paris and allows them to implement a creative or research project in all disciplines. For periods of two months to a year, in the Marais or in Montmartre, the Cité internationale des arts allows artists to work in an environment that is conducive to creation and open to meetings with professionals from the cultural milieu. Artists in residence benefit from customised support from the Cité internationale des arts team.