First Nations

Two women sitting crossed legged in yarning circle with weaving materials in the middle.

Read about our partnerships with First Nations communities

Acknowledgement of Country

Wadyiman Baramada gulbanga naadyi Baramadagal Dharug ngurrayin, badu, burra Baramadagal Dharug yurayin.

We acknowledge the Baramadagal people as the continuing Custodians of Baramada Ngurra since the first sunrise. We pay respect to the Baramadagal Family Group and to all Dharug peoples whose ongoing kinship, knowledge and care for Country continue to shape this place now known as Parramatta.

Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.

Our relationship with the Baramadagal Family Group

PAS works in ongoing partnership with Heidi Duncan, Jayne Christian and Linda Sainsbury from the Baramadagal Family Group to ensure cultural protocols and knowledge are embedded across our programs, spaces and decision-making. This relationship is built on regular consultation and a long-term commitment from PAS to Baramadagal people and Country.

The Baramadagal Family Group guides the development of many First Nations initiatives at PAS, including the First Nations Collaboration Space, cultural protocols, public programs and place-based projects. Through monthly meetings and collaborative planning, the partnership helps ensure PAS remains responsive to community priorities and is grounded in Dharug Country.

First Nations Artists

PAS is committed to creating pathways for First Nations artists to access studios, professional development and creative opportunities. Through hosting First Nations-led studio information sessions and application support workshops PAS aims to make the studio application process more accessible and culturally supported.

In partnership with City of Parramatta Council, PAS also provides rent-free studio spaces for First Nations artists, supported through funding from the Community Capacity Building Team. These studios support artistic practice, cultural leadership and long-term creative development in Western Sydney.

First Nations Collaboration Space

The First Nations Collaboration Space is a community-led space at PAS Granville created through the PAS First Nations Engagement Framework. It provides a dedicated place for gathering, cultural exchange, workshops, meetings and creative development led by and for First Nations communities.

Guided by the Baramadagal Family Group, the space supports the sharing of knowledge, connection to Country and First Nations-determined programming. It is an evolving place of collaboration where community members and artists can come together to strengthen cultural practice, relationships and collective futures.

First Nations Engagement Framework

From 2018 to 2022, Parramatta Artists Studios developed its First Nations Engagement Framework, establishing a foundation for First Nations leadership, cultural governance and long-term relationships with community. The framework guided the organisation's approach to programming, partnerships and artist support

The framework informed initiatives including the First Nations Collaboration Space and pathways for First Nations artists to access PAS opportunities. It received the 2023 Leo Kelly OAM Arts and Culture Award for Strategy/Plan. PAS is now working towards a refreshed framework, to be completed by 2028, that will build on this foundation and respond to current community priorities.

Image: Linda Sainsbury and Jayne Christian guiding a weaving workshop at PAS. Photo: Jeauneil Baptiste