In collaboration with the First Nations-operated social enterprise Awesome Black, the Powerhouse Museum Group has announced a groundbreaking initiative to celebrate First Nations creativity and storytelling through video games. Powerhouse and Awesome Black Launch Initiative Celebrating First Nations Creativity in Video Games
This unique collaboration aims to bolster the Australian games industry over a two-year project by incorporating creative learning programs, events, industry growth, and skill development. One of the key components of this initiative is the free school holidays Creative Studio Workshop, developed and delivered in partnership with Powerhouse and TAFE NSW. The workshop, targeting high school students and emerging game makers, will focus on specific aspects of game creation and become part of the Lang Walker Family Academy program at Powerhouse Parramatta.
Powerhouse will further enhance Awesome Black’s learning and skill development by providing connections to industry partners and mentoring opportunities. Support will also be extended to Awesome Black for attending relevant conferences, courses, and workshops, facilitating the successful delivery of their first video game, Fear of a Blak Planet. This game explores the concept of re-Indigenising Australia and is expected to make a significant impact.
Once Fear of a Blak Planet is released, Awesome Black and Powerhouse will host an industry-focused event showcasing the game alongside a documentary that delves into its development and celebrates the First Nations creatives who contributed to its creation.The Awesome Black Team (Image: Rob Hookey)
Travis DeVries, founder of Awesome Black, expressed his excitement about the partnership. “Awesome Black is absolutely blown away to have our work in the video game development space recognised in this way,” DeVries said. “This opportunity builds the foundation for cementing our creative output as works of cultural significance, both now and in the future. Such achievements are only possible through collaboration and industry support.”
He continued, “Having Powerhouse join us as a partner on this project is an honour we did not foresee when we started. We are so glad to be part of this initiative, with the Powerhouse team recognising video gaming and First Nations culture in the spaces they deserve to be recognised.”
Powerhouse games curator Chloe Appleby highlighted the educational and engagement potential of the initiative. “Supporting and championing the growing NSW games community to create unique stories and support knowledge sharing has been an important driving force for the work we are doing at Powerhouse,” Appleby said. “I am thrilled that this initiative with Awesome Black will not only create opportunities for mentorship within the team for the development of their game but empower young creatives in learning about game creation.”
Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah emphasized the cultural significance of integrating video games into their programming. “This is an exciting opportunity to highlight the cultural significance of video games and how, as a modern medium, they can deliver new and complex ideas in an accessible and interactive way,” she said.
Situated at the intersection of arts, design, science, and technology, Powerhouse plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. This new initiative is set to captivate both First Nations communities and the broader public, sparking excitement and intrigue.
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