Powerhouse Sound

Spanning music and film, instrument making, engineering and audio research, Powerhouse Sound reimagines the many ways sound shapes culture.

The program connects artists, engineers and researchers with the Powerhouse Collection (opens in new tab), programs and facilities to foster creativity, experimentation and collaboration. Through commissions, creative projects and mentorships, Powerhouse Sound supports skill development and celebrates innovation across sound and music. It encompasses podcasts, live programs, exhibitions and partnerships that amplify the diversity and creative energy of Australia’s sound community.

From the oldest surviving Boulton and Watt steam engine to a hand-operated butter churn from the 1930s and a clockwork toy drumming bear, Sounding the Collection reveals the sounds of objects within the Powerhouse. The globally accessible sample pack of over 150 sounds presents an opportunity to transform the Powerhouse Collection into songs, sound designs, sonic identities and audio installations.

Sampling the Collection is a series of local and international commissions where artists sample, remix and transform the Powerhouse Collection into songs, movie soundtracks, foley, sonic identities and sound installations.

Playing the Collection provides access to professional musicians to play and perform with the Powerhouse musical instrument collection.

Connecting artists with established industry leaders and mentors to pass on intergenerational knowledge and create pathways in the music industry.

Powerhouse is custodian to innovative and unique musical prototypes and instruments including the ‘Push 1 Prototype’ by Ableton, Angus Young's Gibson guitar and the Alemba musical instrument made by Moya Henderson and Alan Forester.