May 17, 2023 Image: View of 100 Climate Conversations. Photographed by Zan Wimberley.
Powerhouse has been awarded three prestigious Museums and Galleries National Awards at a ceremony in Newcastle last night. Powerhouse was among 16 organisations nominated across six award categories which highlight the high standard of creative and innovative projects in the Australian cultural sector.
The Powerhouse last year conceived Australia’s most ambitious climate-focused cultural project, 100 Climate Conversations, which has won the award in the category of Interpretation, Learning and Audience Engagement. 100 Climate Conversations uses multiple technologies and digital platforms to encourage audiences to engage with 100 of the nation’s leading climate innovators who discuss actions being taken in Australia to address the climate crisis. Upon its completion, it will become part of the Powerhouse museum’s collection, providing an important archive of this pivotal moment in history.
Powerhouse Late was awarded in the Community Engagement and Outreach category. Curated in collaboration with diverse communities and organisations across creative industries, Powerhouse Late delivers engaging and relevant programs that redefine the ways in which museums collaborate across community and industry.
The Powerhouse Climate Action Plan and Caring for Country Principles were awarded for the Sustainability Project category. Published by the Powerhouse in November 2022, the pioneering action plan aligns with Australian and international best practice in addressing the global climate crisis. It is guided by the museum’s Caring for Country Principles, developed in consultation with First Nations community representatives of the Country on which Powerhouse sites are located. The Climate Action Plan includes a commitment to reduce total energy consumption by 20% from FY 2018/19 baseline, achieve 90% resource recovery from production and operational waste and achieve zero increase in potable water use from FY 2018/19 baseline by 2025.
‘It is an honour for the Powerhouse to be recognised with these prestigious awards. The Powerhouse team continue to work at the forefront of national and international museum practice and I am proud to work alongside them.’ said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.
‘This is a wonderful recognition for the staff, journalists and climate leaders involved in the development and weekly delivery of this ambitious 2-year program,’ said Program Producer (Climate) Brianna Barwise.
‘The Powerhouse Late program is developed in collaboration with industry, community and partners and this award acknowledges all the contributors that have made it possible,’ said Public Programs Manager Hannah Saunders.
‘The Powerhouse Climate Action Plan and Caring for Country Principles represents a reset in the Powerhouse’s response to the climate crisis with positive actions, guided by the caring for Country principles. I am incredibly proud of the commitments made, extremely grateful to all contributors, and excited to continue the delivery of the plan’s objectives,’ said Climate Action and Sustainability Manager Carmel Reyes.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Cara Lopez | cara.lopez@powerhouse.com.au | 0438 147 097
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.4 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse in Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to Powerhouse collections.