UNSW x Powerhouse Parramatta
Launched in 2026, the three-year partnership between UNSW Sydney and Powerhouse Parramatta combines research, creativity and public life to create opportunities for Western Sydney. The partnership aims to achieve outcomes together that neither the museum nor the University could achieve alone.
Why this partnership matters
The partnership supports public conversations, shared learning and collaboration across disciplines, connecting communities with University expertise in a major cultural setting.
"Western Sydney is one of Australia’s great centres of creativity, culture and diversity. Through the partnership between UNSW Sydney and Powerhouse, we are bringing together culture, education and research to celebrate the region’s talent, inspire new ideas and create opportunities for the communities that will shape Australia’s future.”
— Professor Zoe Terpening, Pro Vice-Chancellor Precincts, UNSW Sydney
All photos © Rory Gardiner 2026
From research to real-world change
UNSW and Powerhouse have a history of collaboration across research and student engagement. Recent work includes an Australian Research Council-funded project investigating how department stores shaped post-war Australian design culture. Earlier collaborations include pioneering augmented reality engagement with museum collections through UNSW’s Centre for Interactive Cinema Research (iCinema) as well as the Hybrid exhibition developed with the UNSW SMaRT Centre, which explored the role of the home in urban life.
The partnership creates opportunities for academics to work with Powerhouse collections, archives and public programs and to connect research with community discussion and industry engagement.
Education and student opportunities
UNSW students can engage with Powerhouse through projects, internships and work-integrated learning opportunities. Students and researchers may also access Powerhouse archives and collections for learning and research, subject to availability and relevant permissions.
A place to meet and share ideas
UNSW House, formerly St George’s Terrace, is a dedicated learning and community space within Powerhouse Parramatta. It brings together UNSW staff, students, alumni, researchers, partners and community members for research, education, collaboration, idea-sharing and public conversation.
The space supports UNSW’s commitment to public good and inclusive global impact by creating a bridge between the University and the communities of Western Sydney.
The Future Of at UNSW House
UNSW and Powerhouse Parramatta present a series of talks exploring how human creativity will shape the future of the dark, history, Al and shopping during the Powerhouse Parramatta Opening Festival, which runs 7–29 November.
“The Future Of represents the shared aspiration of UNSW and the Powerhouse to shape a better future for all through creativity. It connects cutting-edge insights from UNSW researchers to the Powerhouse’s opening exhibitions through meaningful conversations about big ideas.”
— UNSW program co-curators Michelle Gordon, Director Strategic Events, and Lizzie Muller, Director of Research in the School of Art & Design
Partnership acknowledgement
The Sir William Tyree Foundation’s longstanding support of UNSW and Powerhouse helped lay the foundations for this partnership. The Tyree family’s connection to both institutions reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities, engaging diverse communities and using knowledge and innovation to help build better futures.