2025 marks the 10th anniversary of Carriageworks’ Solid Ground initiative in partnership with Blacktown Arts, which provides education and employment pathways for First Nations young people in the arts. The only program of its kind in Australia, Solid Ground enables students to connect with culture and discover their own creative practice under the mentorship of selected practicing artists and cultural leaders.
This year’s artists in residence include rapper and host of triple j’s Blak Out Nooky, weaver & visual artist Peta-Joy Williams and singer songwriter Akala Newman. The students will present their mid-year works at Carriageworks for their NAIDOC exhibition in July.
Image: Solid Ground NAIDOC Exhibition 2024. Image by Joseph Mayers.
2025 Artists in Residence
Akala Newman
Akala Newman is a proud Wiradjuri/Gadigal producer, facilitator, and singer-song writer whose music blends ethereal pop with raw storytelling. Known for her striking vocals and bold presence, she has performed at the National Indigenous Music Awards and Sydney’s NYE fireworks. Beyond music, Akala is a First Nations Consultant, Lecturer, and Artist Educator, championing cultural expression. Through her work and her initiative, Gili Gatherings, she continues to amplify First Nations voices in the arts and beyond.
Akala is the Artist in Residence at Alexandria Park Community School.
Akala Newman is a proud Wiradjuri/Gadigal producer, facilitator, and singer-song writer whose music blends ethereal pop with raw storytelling. Known for her striking vocals and bold presence, she has performed at the National Indigenous Music Awards and Sydney’s NYE fireworks. Beyond music, Akala is a First Nations Consultant, Lecturer, and Artist Educator, championing cultural expression. Through her work and her initiative, Gili Gatherings, she continues to amplify First Nations voices in the arts and beyond.
Akala is the Artist in Residence at Alexandria Park Community School.
Nooky
A proud Yuin rapper, producer, and activist, Nooky is a powerhouse in Australian music. With hard-hitting bars and unapologetic storytelling, he blends South Coast slang with sharp social commentary. As host of ‘Blak Out’ on triple j and founder of ‘We Are Warriors,’ he uplifts First Nations excellence across music, fashion, and sport. His work has earned accolades from Cannes Lions to the Australia Council’s Dreaming Award, cementing his place as a leading voice for Blak excellence.
Nooky is the Artist in Residence for Erskine Park High School.
A proud Yuin rapper, producer, and activist, Nooky is a powerhouse in Australian music. With hard-hitting bars and unapologetic storytelling, he blends South Coast slang with sharp social commentary. As host of ‘Blak Out’ on triple j and founder of ‘We Are Warriors,’ he uplifts First Nations excellence across music, fashion, and sport. His work has earned accolades from Cannes Lions to the Australia Council’s Dreaming Award, cementing his place as a leading voice for Blak excellence.
Nooky is the Artist in Residence for Erskine Park High School.
Peta-Joy Williams
Peta-Joy Williams is a Wiradjuri weaver, visual artist, member of Boomali Arts Co-op, and cultural leader whose career spans visual arts, radio, and event production. From her early days at Eora TAFE to her work with Gadigal Information Service, Yabun, and Klub Koori, she has been a vital force in First Nations storytelling. She also studied Wiradjuri language, deepening her connection to Country and culture. Whether on air, on stage, or in community, Peta-Joy is dedicated to amplifying First Nations voices through the arts.
Peta-Joy is the Artist in Residence at Chifley College Dunheved.
Peta-Joy Williams is a Wiradjuri weaver, visual artist, member of Boomali Arts Co-op, and cultural leader whose career spans visual arts, radio, and event production. From her early days at Eora TAFE to her work with Gadigal Information Service, Yabun, and Klub Koori, she has been a vital force in First Nations storytelling. She also studied Wiradjuri language, deepening her connection to Country and culture. Whether on air, on stage, or in community, Peta-Joy is dedicated to amplifying First Nations voices through the arts.
Peta-Joy is the Artist in Residence at Chifley College Dunheved.