Imagine smoke billowing not from industry but artistic passion. That’s the story of Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. This multi-disciplinary arts centre wasn’t always a hub for creativity. It began its life as Liverpool Powerhouse in 1951.
It was one of several identical power stations built to meet Sydney’s growing energy needs. By 1955 a towering 250-foot chimney replaced four shorter ones. This change helped direct smoke away from nearby homes. The Powerhouse served its purpose until 1976. Then, Liverpool City Council acquired the decommissioned building in 1978.
For almost a decade, it sat unused. But residents envisioned something greater. In 1985, they voted to transform it into an arts centre. Work commenced in 1987. The transformation gained momentum in 1993. Mark Latham, then mayor, secured funding for the project. The renamed Casula Powerhouse was taking shape.
Inaugural Director John Kirkman commissioned Judy Watson to design the centre’s floor. This became the Koori Floor. Watson drew inspiration from Western Desert art and local Aboriginal heritage. The names of the traditional landowners Tharawal Gandangarra and Dharuk are etched in stainless steel. These names are inlaid within the floor.
Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre officially opened in October 1994. It quickly became a venue for diverse exhibitions and events. Vietnamese themes featured prominently. A major capital project from 2006 to 2008 improved and expanded the centre.
Today, Casula Powerhouse sits on the banks of the Georges River. It is part of the expansive Casula Parklands. Its location next to Casula railway station makes it easily accessible. Inside, you will find a world-class exhibition space. A 326-seat theatre and a multi-purpose performance area await. Artist studios residency spaces and seven additional galleries offer diverse experiences. A collection storage and office space support the centre’s operations. Bellbird Dining and Bar provides visitors with food and drinks.
Craig Donarski has been the director of Casula Powerhouse since 2016. His Polish migrant background reflects the area’s diversity. Liverpool is one of Australia’s most multicultural areas. Around 150 languages are spoken here. Casula Powerhouse’s programs mirror this diversity. It engages with both local and global communities.
The Liverpool Collection is co-managed by Casula Powerhouse and the Liverpool Regional Museum. It features about 30000 artworks and cultural heritage artefacts. It preserves historical items and showcases emerging artists.
Since 2016, Casula Powerhouse hosts the Blake Prizes. These include art prizes and a residency. The Blake Poetry Prize is also awarded here. The centre also hosts annual exhibitions. These include the Mil-Pra AECG and Liverpool Art Society exhibitions.
Casula Powerhouse celebrated its 21st anniversary in 2015. It presented works by 21 Australian artists who had a past connection with the centre. In 2018, Mandaean artist Yuhana Nashmi displayed Sh-ken-ta. It was a site-specific installation of a reed house used for Mandaean priestly rituals.
During the 2020 pandemic, the centre adapted. The Pulse of the Dragon exhibition went online. In November 2020 the centre reopened with new exhibitions. The Koori Floor had been restored.
Casula Powerhouse fosters the arts. It reflects the community’s vibrant culture. It stands as a testament to the power of transformation. What was once a source of energy now fuels artistic expression.