Limited Edition Commemorative
Silk Scarf By Gillian Kayrooz
Arts & Cultural Exchange (ACE) is thrilled to unveil a stunning limited-edition silk scarf designed by ACE alumni and rising artist, Gillian Kayrooz, to mark its milestone 40th birthday. 🎉
Since 1984, ACE has been at the heart of creativity and social change, collaborating with Western Sydney’s diverse communities. Crafting ground-breaking interdisciplinary projects, it’s been at the centre of Sydney’s art scene. To honour this incredible legacy, ACE teamed up with Gillian, whose vibrant work captures the richness and soul of the region’s cultural tapestry.
The scarf, inspired by her celebrated series Argileh at Wedding Cake Rock (2020), is more than a fashion piece. It’s a tribute to female friendship and local social gatherings. It’s a beautiful piece of wearable art that perfectly embodies ACE’s spirit of creativity and collaboration.
ACE Executive Director Anne Loxley, who personally invited Gillian to create the piece, shared her enthusiasm:
“Her work is both powerful and poetic—a nuanced reflection on identity and place, deeply rooted in her connections with Western Sydney communities.”
Gillian’s artistic journey is equally inspiring. Born and raised on Dharug land in Guildford, she has brought the heart of her community into her art. After graduating with First Class Honours from Sydney College of the Arts (2018), she went on to receive the prestigious Create NSW Young Creative Leaders Fellowship. Her work has been showcased across the Asia-Pacific, earning her international residencies in China and Japan.
This year, Gillian received the Create NSW x Artspace Fellowship, which includes mentorship from renowned artists Khaled Sabsabi and Joanne Saad. She’ll also be conducting research for the 2025 Sharjah Biennale in the UAE, continuing her mission to bridge global narratives with Western Sydney’s cultural heartbeat.
Gillian’s journey with ACE began in 2017 when she joined the All Girl Electronic program. Since then, she’s contributed to standout projects like New Age Noise Collective (2019), 100% West (2020), Barbershop (2021–22), and The Exchange Project & Party (2022–23). Reflecting on her time with ACE, Gillian said:
“Through programs like All Girl Electronic, I found peers who shared my experiences growing up as a young woman in Western Sydney. ACE has given me lifelong friendships, inspiring projects, and opportunities to grow as an artist, community worker, producer, and creative leader.”
This collaboration celebrates ACE’s 40 years of fostering creativity, amplifying diverse voices, and driving social impact in Western Sydney.
💫 Want to own this piece of history of pick up a beautiful gift for the festive season? The ACE x Gillian Kayrooz silk scarf is available for $180. Get yours today at ACE. You’ll have to be quick! It’s a limited edition!
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