Over the past 12 months, four fellowships have reflected the dynamic interaction between academic research and practical museum applications. The UTS researchers involved have each developed unique projects, and enjoyed the privilege of being at the Powerhouse, working with their curators and collection specialists, and using their systems.
The Fellowship program has been cross-faculty and cross-disciplinary for UTS. Professor Rachel Landers from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has used the program to conduct research into the intersection of non-fiction film techniques and decolonised Australian science and history through a hybrid documentary approach exploring Sir Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic expedition of 1911-1914 and using the Powerhouse’s extensive archives and collection on this expedition.
From the Faculty of Science, Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Barbara Stuart’s research focuses on designing polymers with specific properties, ranging from construction rigidity to household item flexibility, and sheds new light on the understanding and application of plastics. She has used the Fellowship Program to research the history of plastics, tracing their exponential growth since the late 19th century and highlighting their universal presence in modern life, which has helped her write Infrared Spectroscopy of Heritage Polymers: A Handbook for Museum Practitioners. Dr. Stewart's efforts in cataloguing and identifying various plastic materials are critical in preserving historical artifacts and guiding future innovations in material science. Her upcoming handbook on material identification is eagerly anticipated as a vital resource for professionals in conservation and material science. Her work also emphasises the importance of sustainable and responsible development of synthetic polymers, ensuring an informed and eco-conscious approach to their use in our daily lives.
Dr Heffer and Dr Donna Sgro, from UTS’s Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building used the Fellowship Program to explore lace as a coded material language in their research entitled L A C E C O D E S. The first research phase involved looking at the digital lace archives and selecting specific pieces that spoke to them from their respective disciplines in fashion and textiles.
The fellowship included visits to the Powerhouse Library, observing bobbin lace-making demonstrations and visiting the Powerhouse’s Castle Hill Museum Discovery Centre. A new body of work has resulted that explores lace through different modes of practice, such as music/sound and exploratory pattern cutting for fashion, and they hope to continue working with the Powerhouse in 2024 on this next phase of the research.
Spirits of the Hoey
The fourth research project UTS academics worked on through the Powerhouse’s Research Fellowship Program is the work of Dr Liz Giuffre and Dr Gregory Ferris from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, with support from the City of Sydney. Spirits of the Hoey is an immersive journey into the vibrant musical landscape that the former Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills once epitomised. Prior to its untimely closure in 2009, the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills, affectionately known as 'The Hoey,' was more than just a venue; it was a crucible of creativity and innovation in the Australian music industry.
Spirits of The Hoey utilises a blend of interactive immersive documentary, podcasts, and written publications to recreate the Hopetoun Hotel's ambiance and significance. It is an expertly crafted experience, weaving together the hotel's meticulously recreated interior, using a mix of photogrammetry, 3D modelling, new and archival audio-video, and the historical building plans from the Powerhouse's collection.
At the heart of this project are the stories – over 80 original interviews with musicians, patrons, staff, and fans, offering a window into the soul of Sydney's music scene from the 1980s to the 2000s. These narratives are further enriched by the extensive photographic collection of Bryan Cook, the venue's unofficial photographer, who has contributed over 3,000 images capturing the essence of 'The Hoey.'
Highlighting the significance of this project, on November 16, a curated preview of the “Spirits of the Hoey” collection was presented at Powerhouse Late: Hopetoun. This event featured 500 previously unpublished images from Bryan Cook, a compilation of interviews with artists, promoters, punters, and managers from the venue, a panel discussion, an AR interactive series, and live music. Iconic performers from the Hoey era, such as iOTA, Christa Hughes (Machine Gun Fellatio), Alannah Russack (The Hummingbirds), Adam Gibson (Modern Giant), and Peter Fenton (Crow), graced the stage.
"Spirits of The Hoey" is a testament to the enduring impact of cultural spaces in shaping the artistic and social fabric of a city. As Powerhouse Research Fellows, Ferris and Giuffre are not only preserving a piece of Sydney's history but also igniting a conversation about the significance of such venues in nurturing talent and community spirit. This project stands as a reminder of the vibrant potential that lies within the arts, and a call to action to recognise and protect such cultural institutions.