Powerhouse Parramatta and the Cité internationale des arts have announced Vincent Namatjira OAM and Jarra Karalinar Steel as the recipients of the 2025 galang residency program.

Now in its third year, the residency supports Australian First Nations creative practitioners with two three-month residencies in Paris, commencing in June and July 2025.

Western Aranda man from Ntaria, Vincent Namatjira OAM will be the first to undertake the residency, beginning in June.

During his time in Paris, he will explore historical depictions of First Nations people within French collections, analysing how Indigenous subjects were represented in colonial-era art and how these visual legacies persist today.

Mr Namatjira's research will inform a new series of paintings that reinterpret European representations of authority and challenge dominant historical narratives.

"I am honoured to be selected for the 2025 galang residency program and excited to make the most of this amazing opportunity," Mr Namatjira said.

"As an Aboriginal artist based in a remote Indigenous community, I strongly believe that living remote should not be a barrier to artistic and professional development.

"Being based in Paris for the galang residency will provide an opportunity for me to connect with local artists, curators, and institutions, building relationships across countries and cultures and broadening the reach of my practice on an international scale."

Yaluk-ut Weelam woman Jarra Karalinar Steel will begin her residency in July.

Her project will focus on expanding her visual language through research, experimentation, and engagement with contemporary art, museums, and archives.

Ms Steel will explore themes of Blak Futurism, cultural revitalisation, and the intersection between First Peoples' perspectives and broader narratives of identity.

The work developed during her residency will contribute to a larger, ongoing project examining connections between Indigenous and diasporic experiences.

"I'm honoured and excited for the 2025 galang residency!" she said.

"This is a huge opportunity to take my work beyond my local area, connect with an international community, and explore how my art practice fits into global conversations.

"Having dedicated time and space to experiment and grow as an artist is invaluable."

The selection panel for the 2025 residencies included Powerhouse Associate alumni, Wiradjuri artist, writer, and curator Dr Brook Garru Andrew, Head of the Residency Department at the Cité internationale des arts Vincent Gonzalvez, and Powerhouse Director First Nations Beau James.

The panel commended the high calibre of applications which included proposals from First Nations practitioners working across digital design, craft, jewellery, architecture, choreography, fashion, writing, visual arts, and sciences.

They expressed their strong support for Mr Namatjira and Ms Steel's proposed projects, highlighting their potential to generate important reflections on Indigenous representation in art and history.

Powerhouse chief executive, Lisa Havilah, said the program continues to showcase the diverse talents of First Nations creatives.

"Each year, submissions for the galang residency highlight unique artistic approaches and perspectives from talented Australian First Nations creatives," she said.

"Our support for this program will continue to foster opportunities for cross-cultural connections and collaborations."