Media Release
POWERHOUSE AND THE CITÉ INTERNATIONALE DES ARTS RESIDENCY TAKES FIRST NATIONS CREATIVES TO PARIS
Powerhouse and the Cité internationale des arts have announced applications are now open for the fourth year of the prestigious galang residency, supporting First Nations creatives to work in Paris as part of two, three-month residencies between June-August and July-September 2026.
The residency is open to First Nations creative practitioners based in Australia from a range of disciplines including architecture, design, music, performance, photography, visual arts, weaving and writing. The program includes return flights to and from Paris, accommodation at the Cité internationale des arts and opportunities to meet and collaborate with professionals from Paris’ cultural milieu.
The 2025 program attracted a high standard of applicants, with Archibald Prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira OAM and multidisciplinary creative Jarra Karalinar Steel offered residencies to complete projects reflecting on the impacts of First Nations representation in art and history.
2025 galang residency recipient Vincent Namatjira OAM said, ‘Coming all the way from a remote community, the galang residency at the Cité, was an excellent opportunity for me to push my practice and connect with the rest of the world. Although I was far from the APY Lands, I felt right at home in my studio at the Cité in Paris among other artists and new friends.’
2025 galang residency recipient Jarra Karalinar Steel said ‘The galang residency was a fantastic opportunity to connect meaningfully with other artists, industry professionals and institutions. Having that precious time to ideate and focus on my creative practice without the distractions of everyday life was truly appreciated.’
The 2026 galang residency selection panel will consist of Residency Programmes and Partnerships Manager Cité internationale des arts Souraya Kessaria, Powerhouse Adjunct Curator Brook Garru Andrew, and Powerhouse Director First Nations Beau James.
Residency Programs and Partnerships Manager Cité internationale des arts Souraya Kessaria said ‘Our work is centred in creating conditions where artistic practices can unfold with the attention and freedom needed to deepen research. Welcoming First Nations artists from Australia as part of the galang residency is always a profoundly meaningful moment for our residents’ community. Their presence opens new conversations, expands our shared ways of thinking and making, and strengthens the fabric of dialogue that lies at the heart of the Cité.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said ‘galang is a cultural bridge that honours the depth, strength and continuity of First Nations creative practice. For Powerhouse, supporting this program in partnership with the Cité internationale des arts is part of our commitment to creating spaces where First Nations creatives can lead, influence and shape cultural dialogue globally.’
Applications close Friday 30 January 2026. Successful applicants will be announced in March 2026.
To apply for the 2026 galang residency program, visit Powerhouse.
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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.