Rachel Burke’s playful new residency is turning Brisbane Powerhouse into a whimsical wonderland
Colour, craft and a whole lot of glitter-dusted fun are set to take over Brisbane Powerhouse, with renowned local artist Rachel Burke to transform the venue with a playful Artist in Residence program running across 2026 and 2027.
Known for her maximalist aesthetic and love of nostalgia, Rachel’s work spans wearable art, performance, installation and participatory craft, often turning everyday objects and discarded materials into wildly imaginative creations bursting with texture and personality.
The newly announced residency will invite audiences straight into her colourful world through a series of workshops, performances and hands-on creative experiences designed to celebrate experimentation and self-expression.
Rachel Burke says she’s looking forward to sharing a space where people can make freely, play with materials and turn ideas into something joyful and tangible.
“I want people to feel free to experiment, make mistakes and just enjoy the process,” she said. “These works are about curiosity, collaboration and finding magic in the everyday.”
Things kick off from August 6–8 with Flower. Puppy. Show., a surrealist performance created alongside Patience Hodgson. Blending handmade fashion, live music and craft activations, the show draws inspiration from vintage swap cards, kitschy ornaments and beloved puppies, with live performances from Rachel and Patience, alongside Joel Woods and Tom Fletcher.
The program then rolls into a string of delightfully crafty workshops. Junk Jewelling on Saturday August 22 invites participants to transform broken trinkets and forgotten treasures into bold wearable pieces, while Zine Making on Saturday October 17 explores collage, drawing and DIY storytelling through handmade mini magazines.
In December, Rosette and Badge Making brings ribbons, textiles and layered embellishments into the mix, before the residency wraps up with a nostalgic Melty Bead Keychain Workshop in February 2027, where retro-inspired bead creations become tiny keepsakes designed for bags, keys and gifting.
A curated selection of Rachel Burke’s handmade books, zines, badges, washi tape and illustrated goodies will also be available at the Powerhouse Store throughout the residency for anyone keen to take a little piece of the colourful fun home with them.
For details and to book tickets, head to the Brisbane Powerhouse website.
This article was written in parternship with our good friends at Brisbane Powerhouse.
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