In the bustling heart of Paris, the Cité internationale des arts stands as a beacon for artistic exploration and collaboration. Offering residencies ranging from two months to a year, this prestigious institution provides a nurturing environment for artists to bring their creative visions to life. Now, with the return of the Galang Residency program, two exceptional Indigenous artists from Australia are set to embark on a transformative journey. Empowering Indigenous Artists: The Galang Residency Program Returns in 2024
Jack Gillmer, a gifted architect from the Worimi and Biripi guri communities of Sydney, and Jody Rallah, a versatile artist of Yuggera and Biri descent hailing from Brisbane, have been announced as the recipients of the 2024 Galang Residency. This initiative, now in its second iteration, received an overwhelming response from artists across Australia representing diverse disciplines such as jewellery design, architecture, choreography, fashion, writing, and visual arts.
Expressing her gratitude for being selected, Jody Rallah remarked, “I feel overwhelmingly grateful to have this incredible opportunity to undertake this research with the Galang Residency. This opportunity means that I can learn more about how tactile languages (such as Braille) can provide insight into haptic art-making processes that can affect resurgent art and cultural practices in my communities and how this can be applied in immersive art experiences.”
Powerhouse chief executive, Lisa Havilah, shared her excitement at announcing the new residency participants, highlighting the exceptional talent demonstrated by Gillmer and Rallah. She emphasized, “The high calibre of submissions we received for the second iteration of the Galang Residency highlights the incredible talent of Australia’s First Nations creative practitioners.”
The selection panel, comprising esteemed figures such as Wiradjuri artist Dr Brook Garru Andrew, Vincent Gonzalvez from the Cité internationale des arts, and Powerhouse associate director Beau James, expressed their support for Gillmer and Rallah’s proposed projects. These projects aim to spark conversations about restitution and accessibility in the cultural sector while celebrating Indigenous perspectives and heritage.
During her residency, Jody Rallah will delve into the application of tactile language systems, such as Braille, in haptic art-making approaches. Meanwhile, Jack Gillmer will explore the display and treatment of Indigenous artefacts, contemplating the colonial history of museology and envisioning a future of cultural material acquisition and exhibition.
Reflecting on his upcoming residency, Gillmer expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Using architecture as a medium of investigation, I’m excited to see the potential this will have on defining an approach to architecture and museology to Indigenous practices.”
The Galang Residency program serves as a platform for cultural exchange and artistic innovation, fostering connections between Indigenous Australian artists and global communities. As Gillmer and Rallah prepare to embark on their respective journeys to Paris, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their communities, poised to make a profound impact on the international stage.
Through initiatives like the Galang Residency, the Powerhouse Museum continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Indigenous art and culture while championing diversity and inclusivity in the arts. As these talented artists prepare to showcase their creativity on the global stage, the legacy of Indigenous resilience and creativity continues to shine brightly, illuminating pathways for future generations of artists to follow.
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Tony Clemenger
Chief Executive Officer
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