Fostering creativity since 1933 – Sydney Eisteddfod offers performance opportunities to everyone that enters, creating a richer and more vibrant culture, so that we all can dream, perform, achieve and inspire
About Us
Mission
To present the annual Sydney Eisteddfod, one of the largest and most successful competitive performing arts festivals of its type in the world.
To promote the pursuit of excellence, especially amongst young people, with opportunities to perform in public through professionally judged competitions; to assist aspiring performers and develop lifelong engagement in the performing arts.
To spread its reach locally, nationally and internationally by connecting with like-minded people and communities, thereby developing future audiences and providing life-changing success and international career opportunities for the participants.
Organisation
Since 1933 Sydney Eisteddfod has been contributing to the evolving culture of Australia by nurturing the performing arts at a grass roots level and providing life-changing opportunities for young artists. With over 350 events, we encourage the development of artistic and creative skills, and offer some of the most prestigious scholarships in the Australian performing arts.
At the heart of Sydney Eisteddfod’s activities lies its flagship event: a competitive performing arts festival that runs from May to September. Throughout this period, the organisation provides a stage for singers, dancers, actors, musicians, composers, bands, choirs, and orchestras to showcase their talents in some of Sydney’s premier venues.
Over 2.5 million entrants have graced Sydney Eisteddfod’s stages, driven by a passion to excel, compete for prizes and scholarships, or simply the pure joy of creative expression. Each year, over $400,000 worth of prizes and scholarships are awarded, cementing Sydney Eisteddfod’s reputation as a celebration of artistic excellence.
With over 25,000 entrants, who perform to an audience of more than 170,000 people, the annual Sydney Eisteddfod is a beacon of inspiration, playing a vital role in Australia’s arts community.
Sydney Eisteddfod operates with a small staff and an army of dedicated volunteers who are without doubt the lifeblood of the organisation. Its directors and advisors assist on an honorary basis. As Sydney Eisteddfod receives no Federal, State or Local Government funding, it exists through the generosity of corporate sponsors and private donors plus the income it derives from entry fees and ticket sales.
Sydney Eisteddfod maintains close ties with other arts and educational organisations across Australia and is constantly on the lookout for performance opportunities for developing artists.
It shares and promotes its activities on its website, e-newsletter and updates on social media.
Endorsements
Warrick Baker Kawai
Since 1933, Sydney Eisteddfod has provided a world class opportunity for young people to shine on the big stage….
The Hon. Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO
Sydney Eisteddfod is destined to inspire the Australian people’s love of the arts for decades to come…
Margaret Beazley AO QC Governor of NSW
To every Sydney Eisteddfod performer, you are already a star…
Rafael Bonachela Sydney Dance Company
For over 80 years, the Sydney Eisteddfod has provided a pivotal contribution to the Australian arts ecology….
Li Cunxin AO Queensland Ballet
Queensland Ballet acknowledges the Sydney Eisteddfod’s tremendous efforts in supporting performing arts in Australia…
Clover Moore Lord Mayor of Sydney
Sydney Eisteddfod provides an important forum, which nurtures and acknowledges emerging talent …
Tanya Taylor Mayor of the City of Willoughby
For more than eight decades the Sydney Eisteddfod has provided many wonderful opportunities, nurtured the development of young artists…
