SYDNEY, AU.- Powerhouse Parramatta, Blacktown Arts and Vyva Entertainment in partnership with Western Sydney’s HipHop communities today announce the establishment of the Western Sydney HipHop Archive. It acts as a meeting ground and a space where community, industry and education converge to create unique opportunities for the growth and preservation of HipHop culture, professional development and industry sustainability.

The Western Sydney HipHop Archive is a major new initiative within Powerhouse Parramatta’s Foundational Cultural Partnership with Blacktown Arts and Blacktown City Council. Powerhouse Parramatta and Blacktown City Council have recently formed an innovative five-year partnership that will see both cultural institutions co-invest into the growth of the creative industries to ensure new pathways for both emerging and established artists and communities across Western Sydney.

Vyva Entertainment is run by Vyvienne Abla, the founder and Creative Director of 4ESydney, the only festival and project of its kind specialising in the culture of HipHop. It acts as a meeting ground and a space where community, industry and education converge to create unique opportunities for the growth and preservation of HipHop culture, professional development and industry sustainability.

4ESydney’s annual conference and festival will make Powerhouse Parramatta home when it opens in 2025.

The first Western Sydney HipHop story shared through the Archive is the story of Sharline ‘Spice’ Bezzina, a graffiti artist, former B-girl, breaker, rapper and Australian HipHop pioneer who has been involved in the Western Sydney scene since its inception in the 1980s. Spice’s song Hard Core Love was featured on Australia’s first commercially released HipHop compilation ‘Down Under by Law’ (1988) and she was the support act for Ice-T during his Australian tour in 1989. Raised in St Clair, Spice is still actively involved in the graffiti scene and teaches street art to young people in Western Sydney. Spice has kept an impeccable archive, some of which is already housed in the Powerhouse Collection.

Vyva Entertainment founder Vyvienne Abla said ‘HipHop deserves to not just be recognised but celebrated across diverse spaces — from the streets to esteemed institutions and global stages

‘Knowing our history is paramount in making this a reality; it's the key to unlocking a sustainable future that pays respect to our past and acknowledges those who paved the way. Our collaboration with Powerhouse Parramatta and Blacktown Arts is a commitment to giving HipHop its rightful platform, ensuring our unified vision of amplifying Western Sydney propels us into an even brighter future.’

Blacktown Arts Director Alicia Talbot said these programs ‘will share a unique cultural commentary that showcases the artistic leadership and political voices of a generation of Blacktown and Western Sydney artists and creatives.’

Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the Western Sydney HipHop Archive ‘will be a living archive that actively engages and connects with industry and community to build upon and elevate the history and profile of Western Sydney’s rich HipHop scene, both nationally and internationally.’

‘This archive will give depth and context for generations of Western Sydney artists, as well as create a space for celebrating and exploring an under-recognised and vital aspect of Sydney’s music culture. The archive will continuously evolve by documenting local artists, writers, composers, producers, performers and creatives who support and shape the genre.’

Blacktown City Council Lord Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM said ‘Culture is the lifeblood of our city, and it should be a part of everyone’s daily life. This exciting partnership with the NSW Government and Powerhouse Parramatta champions the homegrown talent of Blacktown and Western Sydney creatives.’

Powerhouse Pacific Program Producer Thelma Trey Thomas aka MC Trey said, ‘HipHop has been vital in amplifying voices that aren’t always heard. I have been lucky enough to instigate and participate in key elements of the movement and excited to be part of archiving the historical stories of our culture, whilst facilitating ways for the new to come through.’

The Western Sydney HipHop Archive will be held within the Powerhouse Collection and will be a feature of the Powerhouse Parramatta Archive Library.