Powerhouse is calling on the community to join Pacific weavers across Western Sydney through summer to help create 80 handmade woven mats that will feature at the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta.
The project is part of the OCEAN WE'VE Commission - a new partnership between Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts that brings together Pacific communities through large-scale collaborative weaving.
From November to March free public workshops will be held at Blacktown Arts, Campbelltown Arts Centre and during Waitangi Day celebrations in Blacktown.
Skilled Pacific artists will guide participants in pandanus mat weaving with finished mats presented at the museum's opening.
Selected works will also enter the Powerhouse Collection as part of Australia's design and cultural record.
Weaving holds deep cultural importance across the Pacific, with mats central to community and ceremony.
The mats were first started in Tonga by Langafonua 'a Fafine Tonga, the Women's Council of Tonga, before being sent to Sydney for completion.
Langafonua spokesperson Folauhola Vaea said the work carries deep meaning for Tongan women.
"It is an honour for Langafonua 'a Fafine Tonga to be commissioned to begin the weaving of mats, a work that carries the strength, beauty and heritage of our Tongan women," she said.
"Through our hands, we contribute to a legacy that will adorn and bless the new museum building, connecting the past, present, and future of our people."
The OCEAN WE'VE project celebrates the practice while connecting generations of weavers in Western Sydney and the Pacific.
Workshops will be led by artists Ereamone Chamberlain, Sione Falemaka, Angela Paikea, Keren Ruki and Seve Faleupolu.
The collaboration builds on a 2023 partnership where Langafonua artists travelled to Australia to run workshops with Powerhouse, Blacktown Arts and the Matavai Pacific Cultural Arts Centre.
Blacktown Arts, a foundational partner of Powerhouse Parramatta, continues its long-standing support of cultural weaving through the WE'VE program - an ongoing initiative launched in 2023 to promote and preserve weaving traditions across Australia and the Pacific.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the project celebrates Western Sydney's Pasifika communities and encourages intergenerational connection.
"Blacktown has Western Sydney's largest Pasifika community, and this project honours their skills and stories while creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, share and weave together," Mr Bunting said.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said the project demonstrates Powerhouse's commitment to cultural inclusion.
"The OCEAN WE'VE Commission reflects Powerhouse's commitment to embedding the cultural practices of our communities into our programs, ensuring that Powerhouse Parramatta is a dynamic and culturally welcoming place," Ms Havilah said.
Community members can register to take part in the weaving workshops online.
