Powerhouse has announced that Expressions of Interest are now open for two major photography commission opportunities, presenting emerging and established photographers with support to develop major works for inclusion in the foundational programs of Powerhouse Parramatta.

“Powerhouse is the custodian of the world’s most extensive and sought-after photography collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, yet it holds very few photographs created by or for these communities. Now is the time for Powerhouse to provide the space for First Nations photographers to reshape how their communities’ stories are told by applying a critical lens to the collection,” says Head of Collections First Nations Nathan Mudyi Sentence.

As part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Australian photographic practice, Powerhouse invites photographers to submit Expressions of Interest for the First Nations Right of Reply Photography Commission and the Powerhouse Photography Architectural Commission, which were announced on Friday night, 6 December at the Powerhouse Photofields 2024 launch.

“Thanks to the generosity of the Australian Centre for Photography we can offer programs such as these which reflect our commitment to supporting the diversity of Australian photographic practice. Both initiatives offer unique opportunities to contribute to the cultural and architectural conversations that are shaping our contemporary culture,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

Both commissions are part of Powerhouse Photography, an industry-led initiative dedicated to amplifying Australian photography and lens-based practice, made possible through support from the Australian Centre of Photography.

The First Nations Right of Reply Commission invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander photographers to respond to and engage with the Powerhouse Collection.

This major commission aims to critically explore, challenge and reframe narratives surrounding applied arts and sciences through the lens of First Nations perspectives. Developed in collaboration with both the Powerhouse’s First Nations and photography teams, the project will focus on exploring the intersection of culture, history and contemporary photography while working with one of Australia’s most significant collections.

“These initiatives provide an exciting opportunity for photographers to collaborate with Powerhouse on a major new commission. Through the Powerhouse Photography program, we’re proud to continue the legacy of the Australian Centre for Photography by offering ongoing opportunities for photographers to expand their practice,” says Powerhouse Head of Program and Co-Chair of the Powerhouse Photography Advisory Group Sarah Rees.

The Powerhouse Photography Architectural Commission aims to develop new perspectives on Australian architecture and the built environment and seeks applications from photographers with experience producing architectural photographs and/or lens-based architectural projects with a focus on construction, urban development, housing, infrastructure and sustainability.

For both paid commission opportunities, applicants must demonstrate they can undertake a major commission from concept to delivery. Shortlisted applicants will be given a detailed project briefing and are required to develop a detailed scope of work in collaboration with Powerhouse. Once an assessment is complete and the scope is agreed, the successful candidate will be awarded a contract for the project’s delivery.

Expressions of interest for both opportunities are open until 5pm, Friday 17 January 2025.

Image: We Rise (film still), written and directed by Nooky (Yuin Thungutti), Tyson Perkins (Arrernte Kalkadoon) and Gabriel Gasparinatos, produced by Powerhouse in collaboration with Indigenous social enterprise, We Are Warriors, 2024.

Clémence Carayol

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