First Nations

The Powerhouse acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the ancestral homelands upon which our museums are situated. We respect their Elders, past, present and future and recognise their continuous connection to Country.

Community

Research Scholars

Powerhouse offers annual programs to researchers interested in exploring the collection for the purposes of creative practice or academic research.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Each year the Powerhouse Scholars program develops new research through an annual open call to academics, creative practice-based researchers and independent researchers. Museum staff support scholars to produce innovative projects in dialogue with the Powerhouse Collection and Archives. Their work facilitates new lines of enquiry that expand perspectives on the museum, presented annually at the Research Symposium. Applications open in August each year.

KEY DATES

  • Applications open 14 August 2026
  • Applications close 5pm 25 September 2026
  • Applicants notified December 2026
  • Project start-up meeting February 2027

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following:

  • Proposal document including:
    • Project title (up to 8 words)
    • Short project summary (up to 150 words)
    • Detailed project description (up to 500 words)
    • Proposed aims and outcomes of the research (up to 300 words)
    • Proposed benefits to Powerhouse (up to 300 words)
    • Please select a maximum of 10 objects from the Powerhouse Collection, in order of priority, that represent your research and that you would be interested in viewing. When selecting, please add the object number to your proposal. Please note that at times, objects may be unavailable due to conservation, loan or exhibition reasons and you may select alternative objects.
  • CV (2-3 pages) detailing your education, previous research, and work history relevant to your application
  • Contact details

Submit your application by 5pm AEST, 25 September 2026.

Please see the Information Pack for more details. If you have further questions, have a disability that requires adjustment to the application process or an alternative application pathway, please contact research@powerhouse.com.au.

Information Pack

Research Scholars

Applications Open

Powerhouse offers annual programs to researchers interested in exploring the collection.

Apply

Current Research Scholars

Alumni Research Scholars 2025

Research Scholars of 2025

Powerhouse Research

Alumni Research Scholars 2024

Alumni Research Scholars 2023

Woman with rubix cube in red recording studio

Sound Before Sound II: Auditioning the Archive

Sounding The Collection

Alumni Research Scholars 2022

Events

Research Symposium

Research Symposium

Ended 20 Mar 2026The Gallery Room, G Floor, Mitchell Library
Research Symposium 2025

Research Symposium 2025

Ended 17 Mar 2025UTS Building 5A
Research Symposium 2023

Research Symposium 2023

Ended 7 Nov 2023Powerhouse Ultimo
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