Powerhouse, in partnership with the Cité internationale des arts, has officially announced artists Moorina Bonini and Tarni Eastwood as the recipients of the 2026 Galang Residency.

Now in its fourth year, the prestigious residency program will support Australian First Nations creative practitioners through residencies in Paris in June and July 2026.

Ms Bonini is a descendant of the Yorta Yorta Dhulunyagen family clan of Ulupna and the Yorta Yorta, Wurundjeri, and Wiradjuri Briggs/McCrae family. An artist of First Nations and Italian heritage, her practice reframes institutional perceptions of First Nations identity.

Working across installation, moving image and cultural practice, Bonini has exhibited nationally and internationally at ACMI, The Shed (New York), City Gallery Wellington, Gertrude Contemporary, the MCA and NGV.

In June, Bonini will travel to Paris to examine the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac's collection of Australian objects. Reflecting on boomerangs, spear throwers, shields and related objects from their collection, Bonini will assess how First Nations cultural material is documented through a European lens and explore how their mulana (spirit) of Country can be returned.

"I feel excited to have been selected for the 2026 galang Residency Program. This opportunity comes at a crucial point in my career and will support me to create international networks that will inspire and further develop my practice-led research," she said.

"I can't help but also recognise the strength and work of my Elders, who inspire me every day. I look forward to going to Paris and being able to share this experience with my family and community."

Ms Eastwood is a Ngiyampaa and Guringai multidisciplinary artist, curator and weaver, based on Dharug Land in Western Sydney.

Her practice integrates weaving, sculpture, textiles, painting and photography and explores themes of identity, resilience and cultural storytelling.

Eastwood will embark on her residency in July to develop a series of woven headpieces that situate Australia's First Nations weaving knowledge within a European millinery context. These pieces will challenge colonial ideals, positioning First Nations headwear as ethnographic artefacts, rather than living artistic works.

"This is a dream come true. I'm honoured to be selected for the 2026 galang residency. Spending time in Paris gives me the opportunity to learn from the city's rich fashion and cultural history, share my work on the international stage and expand the reach of my practice," she said.

"I look forward to the conversations and connections this experience will bring and to seeing how it inspires and elevates the way I translate cultural knowledge and storytelling into wearable art."

Since 2023, six First Nations creative practitioners have travelled to Paris for the opportunity to connect and collaborate with international artists, industry professionals and institutions.

Past residents include Archibald Prize-winning artist Vincent Namatjira OAM, multidisciplinary creative Jarra Karalinar Steel, architect Jack Gillmer, founder of Barabirang Projects Jayne Christian, leading journalist and storyteller Daniel Browningand multidisciplinary artist Jody Rallah.

"The galang residency continues to create important international opportunities for First Nations artists to expand their practice, build connections and share cultural perspectives," said Powerhouse chief executive Lisa Havilah.

"We are proud to support Moorina Bonini and Tarni Eastwood as they take their work and practice to Paris."

General director of the Cité internationale des arts, Bénédicte Alliot, said that after three "remarkable" editions, the Galang Residency program has "grown into something truly singular within the Cité internationale des arts: a living bridge between Australian First Nations artistic practices and the wider world".

"What began as a partnership has become a shared commitment to the exchange that transforms not only an artist's practice, but our entire community," she said.

"As we enter this fourth edition, we carry with us the conversations, collaborations and new ways of seeing that our previous laureates have woven into the Cité"

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