Powerhouse has commissioned Co-Curious to develop four connected 20-minute films (to be viewed as one work) using Co-Curious’ unique model of development and production, which supports writers to bring stories to life with their own sense of authenticity. The commissioned films will premiere at Powerhouse Parramatta in 2025.
This innovative collaboration will provide a platform for writers and film makers from diverse backgrounds across Western Sydney. This major commission will ensure diverse voices, stories and Western Sydney histories are embedded into Powerhouse Parramatta. Once completed, the films will be acquired into the Powerhouse collection.
Applications to be part of the program are now open, for more information visit here.
“Co-Curious is thrilled to be embarking on this exciting new partnership with Powerhouse designed to support, celebrate and showcase the stories of Western Sydney. Our model supports writers from under-represented backgrounds to develop and deliver rich culturally significant stories demonstrating the lived experience of contemporary Australia. This important collaboration will provide a platform for writers to tell their stories with scale while focusing on the diversity of the histories and stories of Western Sydney,” Co-Curious CEO Annabel Davis said.
“We are excited to be announcing our first major commission for Powerhouse Parramatta. In The Room will support Western Sydney storytelling, bringing new voices to the screen sector and supporting a vibrant screen culture. Powerhouse and Co-Curious share a fundamental commitment to developing under-represented talent and sharing the diverse stories of the communities of Western Sydney. We look forward partnering with a leading cultural organisation that is working in unprecedented ways to tell new stories,” Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said.
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.4 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to Powerhouse collections.
About Co-Curious
Co-Curious tells stories from another Australia. It believes Australian audiences are hungry for the kinds of stories that include all Australians as a part of the national story. Its model strives to create two-way learning and deeply embeds writers at the heart of its productions. Co-Curious interrogates which stories are being told by who and unpacks the way they are made. In doing so it produces ground-breaking projects that reflect society as it really is.
