Western Terrace: Weave and Wonder

A group of people gathered on a sunlit terrace, engaging in a weaving activity. They are surrounded by urban buildings and trees, creating a warm, communal atmosphere.

A vibrant evening of culture and creativity as the Western Terrace transformed with the brilliance of First Nations artists.

 

Experience a vibrant evening of culture and creativity as the Western Terrace transforms with the brilliance of First Nations artists. Weave your own earrings or key rings in a hands on workshop led by Samantha Snedden and be enchanted as Bria McCarthy brings stories to life through a shadow puppet book reading followed by an interactive puppet-making session and performance that brings stories to life through light and movement.

Perfect for all ages, this special event invites the community to gather and create as day turns to dusk on PHIVE's Western Terrace.

Curated by Tannika Keaton, First Nations Associate Producer at Arts and Cultural Exchange (ACE)

When: Wednesday 15 October, 6pm - 8pm

Location: Level 3, Western Terrace

Registration: Spaces are limited with some seats and standing room. Registration is essential as this is an outdoor venue, please dress accordingly. For access requirements please contact PHIVEtickets@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au 

Image Credit: Supplied by Bria McCarthy

Meet the artists

Headshot of Tannika Kenton


Tannika May began her journey at Arts + Cultural Exchange (ACE) in 2018 through a First Nations ArtsReady traineeship and has since grown into a vital part of the organisation’s team. Tannika currently works as First Nations Producer. With a strong passion for community and culture, she supports and delivers programs, manages venue operations, and creates space for community connection and cultural expression.


Sammi Snedden is a Dunghutti and Wiradjuri emerging artist and curator, who has grown up on Dharug land. Connecting to culture and community has always been a passion. Weaving has led her to her art practice today. Samantha is an experienced workshop facilitator, delivering First Nations weaving workshops within schools, galleries, and libraries. Samantha curated her first exhibition ‘The Enlightenment’ at First Draft Gallery, which focussed on contemporary weaving and featured her iconic woven lampshades, along with art and poetry back in late 2023.

Artist shot of Bria McCarthy

 

Bria McCarthy creates art for theatre, literature, film and education, specialising in experimental shadow puppetry. She created the ‘Shadow House’, a textile sculpture shown at the Art Gallery of NSW and the National Museum of Australia. She was the recipient of the 2024 Wear it Purple Foundation Grant with her new puppet show in development and her solo show ‘Dragon Hearts’ won the 2023 Sydney Fringe Award for Best Emerging Artist. She was the 2022 ACE Indigenous Artist Resident, and her debut manuscript was shortlisted for the 2022 Text Prize. She is an autistic artist with Wiradjuri and Irish heritage. Her work is characterised by an emphasis on multispecies storytelling, neurodivergent imagination, and it is always a little magical.

Gallery

A group of people engage in a workshop in a brightly lit room with modern decor and large windows. The atmosphere is collaborative and focused.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A woman reads to a child holding a tablet in a colorful room. Shadow puppets are projected on a screen. The atmosphere is warm and creative.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A group of people engaging in a yarn activity on a sunny outdoor terrace. A woman stands, leading the group, with greenery and buildings in the background.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A diverse group of people sitting in a circle on a sunny terrace, engaged in a crafting activity with natural fibers, fostering a relaxed community atmosphere.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A group of people sit cross-legged in a sunny room, engaged in colorful yarn crafting. The atmosphere is relaxed and collaborative, with trees visible outside.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A group of people gather in a modern room, watching a large screen displaying a woman speaking. Natural light casts long shadows, creating a warm ambiance.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A diverse group of people gather on a sunlit rooftop, engaged in a craft activity. They're seated in a circle, with tall buildings and trees in the background. The mood is relaxed and collaborative.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A group of people engage in a craft activity at a table in a room with colorful lighting. They appear focused and cheerful, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Image: Rihana Samouly
Three people create shadow puppets of animals on a lit sheet in a room with purple lighting and string lights. The atmosphere is creative and playful.
Image: Rihana Samouly
A person decorates string lights with colorful paper cutouts in a dimly lit room. The scene is bathed in purple-blue light, creating a whimsical atmosphere.
Image: Rihana Samouly

The Western Terrace is a series of creative gatherings, performances and workshops taking place underneath the golden hour, as the sun sets, facing West, thinking West. Imagining the Western Terrace as an extension of their own homes, gardens and balconies, the series features artists, authors, filmmakers, musicians and community sharing domestic ritual collectively.

This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner.

Logos for NSW Government and 24-Hour Economy on a black background. Red lotus with blue text for NSW, abstract purple and orange design for 24-Hour Economy.