Professor Ann McGrath has completed her residency with the Rockefeller Foundation at the Bellagio Center in Italy, from 24 September to 22 October. During her residency, Professor McGrath developed ideas for a new publication that examines the history and significance of clay in shaping the so-called primitive Earth. The four-week Residency Program allows for a dedicated time at the unique Bellagio Center, located in Lake Como (Italy). It is open worldwide to artists, researchers and experts in a variety of disciplines. 

The inspiration for her book comes from Ann's interest in the relationship between the Greek myths widely adopted by the West and Indigenous origin stories, as well as the discovery of a clay medallion sent to Sydney in the early years of the convict colony. This artifact exported a Greek story about the first woman to an already much-storied land.

Being able to discuss her ideas and her work with the other distinguished guests (poets, film-makers, education and philanthropy experts from a wide range of countries, including the Phillipines, the Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain and North America), Professor McGrath was encouraged in her aim to highlight the agency of clay, and the relevance of her own personal connections to the history. 

After her time in Italy, Professor McGrath is looking forward to an extended residency at the Institute for Advanced Study (Princeton) in early 2026 to continue working on her book: ‘Sydney’s Primitive Earth: How Clay transported origin stories between Hemispheres’.