Design with a purpose

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) will help reimagine the Ultimo precinct through a new partnership with the Powerhouse as Foundation University Partner. The synergistic institutions will work together to create a dynamic creative industries ecology and expand the profile of Australian design and fashion, nationally and internationally.

UTS will become a supporting partner of the Powerhouse Ultimo creative industries academy, which will house an immersive education and professional hub that connects local and regional students with industry leaders.

Work-integrated learning opportunities will extend to student internships plus work experience with key collaborators. There will also be opportunities for students to contribute to the planning and delivery of major exhibitions and events and work alongside Creative Industries Residents to develop industry pathways.

First Nations will be a key collaborative focus area, establishing joint programs with the future UTS Indigenous Residential College and collaborating to integrate the UTS Galuwa Experience into broader First Nations programming at Powerhouse Ultimo.

UTS Vice-chancellor and President, Professor Andrew Parfitt, said the partnership will create unique opportunities for UTS students and emerging practitioners to gain industry experience and pathways into the design industry.

“The potential to share facilities and generate collaborations between students, researchers, museum staff and creative industries residents will elevate the creative output of the entire precinct.

“The First Nations component of the partnership in particular will raise the profile of Indigenous leaders in design and innovation and provide opportunities for Indigenous students.”

[The partnership] will support NSW creatives across all stages of their career and dramatically expand the profile of Australian design and fashion on the national and global stage.

The Hon Ben Franklin MLC
NSW Minister of the Arts

The partnership will also expand original research and industry development across the creative industries sector, made accessible via Powerhouse public programs. UTS research students will have the opportunity to collaborate with Creative Industries Residents and utilise the resources of the Powerhouse Archives.

The partnership will enable co-design of opportunities to activate and animate the public domain adjoining The Goods Line and Harris Street.

NSW Minister of the Arts Ben Franklin said it will provide an incredible boost to the NSW creative industries sector in the heart of a thriving precinct anchored by the landmark Powerhouse Ultimo renewal.

“It will support NSW creatives across all stages of their career and dramatically expand the profile of Australian design and fashion on the national and global stage,” said Minister Franklin.

“This groundbreaking partnership between Powerhouse and UTS provides a platform to collaboratively activate the potential of the Ultimo precinct, including the public domain connecting the two institutions,” said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

“The partnership will elevate Powerhouse Ultimo’s renewed focus on fashion and design by connecting the museum with local researchers and industry professionals at the forefront of design innovation.

“Powerhouse and UTS will jointly contribute to creating a world-class Creative Industries Precinct. We thank UTS for their visionary investment into the future of Powerhouse Ultimo.”