Latest From ACE

Gillian Kayrooz: An Artistic Journey with ACE

November 21, 2024 1:00 pm

Art

IMAGE CREDIT: Gillian Kayrooz. Photo by: Jason Sukadana

Meet Gillian Kayrooz

 

Emerging Artist from Western Sydney

Gillian Kayrooz is an interdisciplinary artist whose journey began on unceded Dharug land in Guildford. Her work connects identity, place, and community, inspired by her Western Sydney roots.

 

Career Highlights

  • Recipient of the 2024 Create NSW x Artspace Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship.
  • Recipient of the 2018 Create NSW Young Creative Leaders Fellowship.
  • Parramatta Artist Studios Alumna 2020-2021.
  • Global Exhibitions: Showcased her work in the Asia-Pacific region, including residencies at the Chengdu Academy of Fine Arts in China, as well as the Sapporo Tenjinyama Artist Studio and the Tokyo ARTnSHELTER Gallery Precinct in Japan.
  • Ongoing Projects: Features in the 2024 Bankstown Biennale, UTP x Artshouse ‘Counterflows’ project.

 

Her Relationship with ACE

Gill’s connection with Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) began in 2017, where she joined the All Girl Electronic program. Over time, she contributed to numerous ACE initiatives:

  • New Age Noise Collective (2019)
  • 100% West (2020)
  • Barbershop Project (2021–2022)
  • Exchange Project & Party (2022–2023)

Through ACE, Gill discovered a collaborative community that nurtured her growth as an artist, producer, and creative leader.

ACE’s Impact on Gillian’s Growth

Gillian credits ACE with shaping her artistic identity and career. Through its programs, she accessed guidance, resources, and a supportive environment that nurtured her talents and broadened her creative horizons.

 

“My relationship with ACE began in my late teens, when I sought to develop my soundscape and music skills under the guidance of incredible mentors, all within a creative community close to home. Since then, I’ve built a deep, lasting connection with ACE, forming lifelong friendships and working on inspiring projects that have helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a community worker, producer, and creative leader.”

 

ACE’s programming has supported emerging artists like Gillian, creating pathways that intertwine artistic exploration with community collaboration. For Gillian, ACE isn’t just an organisation—it’s a second home, a place where creativity thrives and lifelong connections are made.

Gillian Kayrooz, The Luncheon on the Grass, 2020. Courtesy of the artist.

Honouring 40 Years of ACE

2024 Commemorative Scarf Design

ACE Executive Director Anne Loxley invited Gill to design a commemorative scarf, citing her work’s powerful and poetic exploration of Western Sydney identity. The project also celebrates friendships formed during Gill’s time at ACE.

 

Featuring Local Talents

The scarf shoot features friends Gill met through ACE, including:
  • Gemma Ylana: An R&B artist exploring personal themes through soulful melodies.
  • Jenny Trinh (Wytchings): An experimental musician blending mysticism and ambient soundscapes.

Shaping Future Generations

Gillian Kayrooz represents the next generation of Western Sydney creatives making their mark both locally and globally. Her story reflects the vibrant pathways available to artists nurtured in the region’s culturally rich communities.

 

ACE’s role in Gillian’s success is a testament to its legacy of fostering emerging talent. It has created an environment where young artists can develop their skills, form lifelong connections, and contribute to Australia’s cultural landscape.
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