Powerhouse Parramatta and the Cité internationale des arts have announced the galang residency program which will support Australian based First Nations artists and creatives to undertake residencies in Paris, at the Cité internationale des arts.
The galang residency is an initiative of Powerhouse Artistic Associate, Wiradjuri artist, writer and curator Dr Brook Garru Andrew and was inspired by the Powerhouse-galang, an international collective of First Nations artists, academics and curators.
Powerhouse-galang empowers First Nations artists, scholars and creatives by providing solidarity and support to reflect on urgent changes that need to occur within museums and collections. Powerhouse galang was devised by Dr Brook Garru Andrew and includes members Dr Léuli Eshraghi, Dr Liisa-Rávná Finbog, Lisa Hilli, Dr Biung Ismahasan, Gail Mabo, Mayunkiki, and Kanoko Tamura.
“The galang residency is a trailblazing new international program created through a collaboration between the Cité internationale des arts and Powerhouse Parramatta for First Nations creatives from Australia. When Vincent Gonzalvez, head of the residency department at the Cité internationale des arts, and I initially met to create this residency program, it was important to provide a focused space of solidarity and care for First Nations creatives with support from both collaborating hosts.
“Sydney and Paris are complex historical cities that offer new ways to see the world differently, especially through First Nations visions that will challenge complex colonial spaces of the so-called ‘decolonial.’ The galang residency is an opportunity to support First Nations Australians to immerse themselves and their practice into the zeitgeist of “contemporary Paris, the complex heart of restitution conversations, alongside other international creatives and to imbue Paris with the power of First Nations ideas and creativity,” said Powerhouse Artist Associate, Brook Andrew.
“The Cité internationale des arts welcomes this new partnership with Powerhouse Parramatta that will allow for Australian based First Nations artists to join the over 300 artists in residence at the Cité international des arts. We could not have wished for a more fruitful partnership between our two institutions or a better opportunity to contribute to an artist’s career development through this residency program. Indeed, the galang residency will be the perfect platform to engage in an enriching conversation between Australian First Nations artists and the Cité internationale des arts’ community and to benefit from Paris’ vibrant cultural scene,” said Director General of the Cité internationale des arts, Bénédicte Alliot.
“It is exciting to be collaborating with the Cité internationale des arts to support First Nations creatives and artists. The galang residency program will provide a platform for rich artistic conversations and collaborations among Australia and Paris-based artists. Importantly it is the first step towards establishing the Powerhouse Parramatta residency program which is committed to supporting ongoing international creative and cultural exchange when it is launched in 2025,” said Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah.
In 2023, two three-month fully supported residency opportunities for Australian based First Nations artists will be offered between 4 May – 28 July and 3 July – 27 September.
Applications are now open till 9 February 2023. For information on application requirements and how to submit, please visit Powerhouse Parramatta.
