ULTIMO.- Archibald Prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira OAM and multidisciplinary artist Jarra Karalinar Steel have been awarded the awarded the annual galang residency, a program delivered through a partnership between Powerhouse and the Cité internationale des arts.

Now in its third year, the prestigious residency supports Australian First Nations creative practitioners through two supported three-month residencies in Paris in June and July 2025.

Vincent Namatjira OAM will be the first artist travelling to Paris, with his residency commencing in June. During his residency Namatjira will investigate historical depictions of First Nations people within French collections, examining how Indigenous subjects were represented in colonial-era art and how these visual legacies are manifested today.

His research will inform new artworks that draw connections between Australia’s colonial past and broader global histories of subjugation, empire and resistance. Namatjira’s project will culminate in a series of new paintings that will reinterpret European representations of authority and challenge dominant historical narratives.

2025 galang residency recipient, Vincent Namatjira OAM said, ‘I am honoured to be selected for the 2025 galang residency program and excited to make the most of this amazing opportunity. As an Aboriginal artist based in a remote Indigenous community, I strongly believe that living remote should not be a barrier to artistic and professional development. Being based in Paris for the galang Residency will provide an opportunity for me to connect with local artists, curators, and institutions, building relationships across countries and cultures and broadening the reach of my practice on an international scale.’

Jarra Karalinar Steel will undertake her residency in July. Her residency aims to expand her visual language through research, experimentation and engagement with contemporary art, museums and archives.

Steel’s research will focus on Blak Futurism, cultural revitalisation, and the intersection between First Peoples’ perspectives and broader narratives of identity, while drawing from her Yaluk-ut Weelam heritage. The work developed during her time in Paris will contribute to the development of a larger ongoing project that will reflect on connections between Indigenous and diasporic experiences.

2025 galang residency recipient, Jarra Karalinar Steel said, ‘I’m honoured and excited for the 2025 galang residency! This is a huge opportunity to take my work beyond my local area, connect with an international community, and explore how my art practice fits into global conversations. Having dedicated time and space to experiment and grow as an artist is invaluable.’

The 2025 galang residency selection panel consisted of Powerhouse Associate alumni, Wiradjuri artist writer and curator Dr Brook Garru Andrew, Head of the Residency Department Cité internationale des arts Vincent Gonzalvez, and Powerhouse Director First Nations Beau James.

The panel were impressed by the high standard of proposals received for the residency, which attracted submissions from talented First Nations practitioners across Australia who specialise in disciplines ranging from digital design, craft, jewellery, architecture, choreography, fashion, writing, visual arts and sciences. The panel expressed their support for Namatjira and Steel’s proposed projects, which will provide avenues for reflection on the impacts of Indigenous representation in art and history.

Since its inception, the galang residency has provided a transformative platform for First Nations artists and generated new opportunities for its recipients. Previous residents include architect Jack Gillmer, who was recently appointed a creative director of the Australian Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, founder of Barabirang Projects Jayne Christian, leading journalist and storyteller Daniel Browning, and multidisciplinary artist Jody Rallah.

Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah said, ‘Each year, submissions for the galang residency highlight unique artistic approaches and perspectives from talented Australian First Nations creatives. Our support for this program will continue to foster opportunities for cross-cultural connections and collaborations.’