Geoff Lee

Powerhouse secures $10M partnership

POWERHOUSE Parramatta has secured a $10M commitment to support the establishment of the Holdmark Gallery and a new summer school program.

Delivered in collaboration with Western Sydney University, the funding is provided by

Holdmark Property Group founder and managing director Sarkis Nassif.

Minister for the Arts Benjamin Franklin said the Holdmark Gallery will be the second largest gallery space in Powerhouse Parramatta, featuring 2300 square metres of fl oor space and 8-metre-high ceilings.

“Powerhouse Parramatta is a once-in-generation project. This incredible museum will bring people from around Australia and the world to Sydney with two million visitors coming to Western Sydney annually,” Mr Franklin said.

“I send my profound gratitude to the Nassif family for this extraordinary gesture. Their generosity will set the platform for thousands of NSW students to learn about disciplines that will play key roles in jobs of the future.

“The community support for Powerhouse Parramatta has been overwhelming with $45 million already invested by donors towards this transformational museum – the enthusiasm for this project is incredible to see.”

The partnership will also underpin a biennial exhibition focusing on innovation in design, engineering and architecture.

Minister for Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said Powerhouse Parramatta will impact generations of young people from Western Sydney and regional NSW.

“Powerhouse Parramatta will be Western Sydney’s fi rst Cultural Institution, and to see generous partners from Western Sydney like Sarkis Nassif demonstrate their passion for the community and generations of young people is wonderful,” Mr Ayres said.

“More than 4,000 jobs will be created across the project’s lifespan with 70 per cent of the construction workforce employed from Western Sydney. Powerhouse Parramatta will become a cultural anchor for our state and I can’t wait to see the impact this museum will have on the many communities of NSW.”

The NSW Government has invested $840 million in the museum which will deliver dynamic exhibition programming focused on science and technology.

Minister for Corrections and Member for Parramatta Dr Geoff Lee said Powerhouse Parramatta will be a cultural icon that Western Sydney deserves.

“We know that engineering, architecture and urban design are critical industries that drive the future of how we live our lives in Western Sydney,” Dr Lee said.

“The Holdmark Summer School and Sydney Design Week will inspire our young people into career pathways that will stimulate a lifetime of learning.

“I thank the Nassif family for this extraordinary contribution to arts and culture in Western Sydney.”

Lendlease is delivering the Moreau Kusunoki and Genton designed museum and is expected to open in early 2025.

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Artist impression of the Gallery.