University of Technology Sydney

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is the Foundation University Partner of Powerhouse Ultimo. The University’s significant investment in the museum reinforces its commitment to developing the next generation of Australian creative leaders and amplifying NSW creative talent through partnerships with industry.

The synergistic institutions are reimagining common ground in Ultimo to establish a dynamic and engaging Creative Industries Precinct, which will include shared creative studios and learning facilities, joint research projects and collaborative outdoor activations. Students will also have valuable opportunities to extend their knowledge through internships and potential work experience with key industry collaborators.

The Ultimo Creative Industries Precinct will be the largest of its kind in Australia, amplifying the profile of Sydney’s diverse creative industries community nationally and internationally, and enriching the University’s leadership in transdisciplinary research and innovation.

UTS will become the Supporting University Partner of the Powerhouse Ultimo Design Academy, which fosters innovation and creativity by connecting local and regional students with industry leaders. The Academy will provide accommodation within the museum for students from regional and remote areas while they engage in learning programs and explore potential undergraduate and professional pathways.

The University’s generous $10 million investment in Powerhouse Ultimo is testament to the importance of nurturing and promoting creative communities. UTS will also contribute vital expertise to design and deliver immersive learning programs for future creative professionals, bolstered by exceptional academic research and institution-wide dedication to innovation.

As Foundation University Partner of Powerhouse Ultimo, UTS will expand existing opportunities for UTS students and academics to collaborate with and learn from Powerhouse and creative industry professionals.

Already, UTS Design, Architecture and Building students are contributing concepts to activate public space in Ultimo as part of the shared vision for a Creative Industries Precinct.

UTS students can apply for new internships and placements within Powerhouse Ultimo, giving them real-world experience in planning and delivering exhibitions, festivals, events, programs and research projects. Powerhouse Creative Industry Residents will enhance students’ learning by sharing firsthand industry knowledge, best practice and advice on career pathways in the creative industry.

The partnership’s joint research focus will accelerate original investigations and developments across the creative industries sector, building on collaborations between industry, academia, and higher degree research and PhD students. Researchers from both institutions will also advise on strategies and processes to expand the Powerhouse Archives.

The cultural value of the partnership is exemplified by the key focus on First Nations, including co-designing and delivering valuable academic research and learning programs to promote First Nations knowledge.

First Nations students will gain unparalleled access to workshops, talks and activities curated by the Powerhouse First Nations Directorate; and First Nations programming at Powerhouse Ultimo will integrate The UTS Galuwa Experience – a program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island high school students from regional and remote areas, which encourages aspirations towards tertiary studies and potential careers.

As Supporting University Partner of the Powerhouse Ultimo Design Academy, UTS is making an important investment in multi-disciplinary learning facilities within the museum to benefit high school and university students alike. This partnership expands support for Indigenous students participating in The UTS Galuwa Experience, providing onsite accommodation while they engage with the Powerhouse Collection, exhibitions and operations.

Joint programs will also be established to support academic excellence with the future Indigenous Residential College at the UTS Ultimo campus, an Australian-first residential college designed by Indigenous architects and led and operated by Indigenous Australians.