Neilson Foundation donates $5M to Powerhouse Parramatta

NSW Premier Chris Minns  alongside Minister for the Arts John Graham, Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper and Member for Parramatta Donna Davis announced a major $5 million donation from the Neilson Foundation to Powerhouse Parramatta.

“We are proud to support Powerhouse Parramatta as exhibition partner for this immersive and innovative cultural experience for young audiences,” says Neilson Foundation Chair, Kerr Neilson. 

"Having the exhibition space carry the Neilson Foundation name reflects our shared commitment to fostering curiosity and learning in the next generation and supporting institutions that lead through innovation and imagination

Featuring the magical diversity of the Powerhouse Collection, The Dark is being creatively led by Tony-nominated, award-winning director and writer Kip Williams and acclaimed designer Elizabeth Gadsby. 

“This visionary partnership with the Neilson Foundation not only honours the history and legacy of the Powerhouse, it propels it forward and builds on our shared commitment to building the next generation of thinkers, creators and innovators,” says NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham.

The Dark, presented over three years, is being designed for kids aged four to 10, asking them to bravely step into extraordinary worlds that will redefine immersive experiences for young people.

"We are incredibly excited to create The Dark for Powerhouse Parramatta. This unique, immersive experience invites intergenerational audiences into a space of storytelling, knowledge discovery and imagination,” grounded in an exploration of the Powerhouse Collection,” the Dark’s creative team Kip Williams and Elizabeth Gadsby say.

“We are honoured to be part of the opening of this extraordinary new building and thrilled that our exhibition will serve as a gateway for many young audiences to begin a lifelong relationship with Powerhouse. We can’t wait to share stories from The Dark with audiences in Western Sydney and beyond, and to hear the stories they share with us in return.”

Following the announcement, a ceremony was held to mark a major construction milestone, the final topping out of Powerhouse Parramatta.

This construction tradition was marked by the ceremonial placement of an Australian pine tree at the highest point of the structure by project delivery partner Lendlease celebrating the new museum reaching its full 75m height.

“I thank the Neilson Foundation for its generous investment into Powerhouse Parramatta, which is a powerful endorsement of what the museum represents for Western Sydney and NSW,” says  Powerhouse Trust President David Borger OAM.

“The Foundation’s support will enable us to create a new space for young people and families, and we’re proud to partner with an organisation that shares our vision for access, innovation and learning.’

Since construction began, Powerhouse Parramatta has generated more than $300 million in contracts to NSW businesses, over half to Western Sydney companies,  and has supported more than 2500 workers who have delivered over 1.45 million hours on site. 

The project continues to exceed social impact targets, with women representing 4.1% of trades roles (double the national average) and First Nations employment reaching 5.8%, triple the original target.

”The Neilson Foundation’s visionary support of Powerhouse Parramatta will enable us to deliver a groundbreaking cultural experience for our youngest audiences,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah. 

“As exhibition presenting partner of The Dark, the Foundation is collaborating with us to reimagine what an exhibition for children can be — immersive, collaborative and engaging. We are incredibly proud to name this new exhibition space in the Foundation’s honour.”

Image by Zan Wimberley