Organisation

Sydney Eisteddfod is an independent, community-based, not-for-profit organisation limited by guarantee. It is also a registered charity in New South Wales and is listed on the federal Register of Cultural Organisations eligible to receive tax-deductible donations.

For over eight decades Sydney Eisteddfod has been contributing to the evolving culture of the Australian nation by nurturing the performing arts at a grass roots level. McDonald’s Australia was the principal sponsor since 1988 until 2015. Sydney Eisteddfod’s activities revolve around the presentation of the annual Sydney Eisteddfod, a competitive performing arts festival that runs from May to September and attracts around 35,000 entrants with a program of just under 350 classical and contemporary events. During this period, it provides performance opportunities for singers, dancers, actors, musicians, composers, bands, choirs and orchestras in seventeen venues across the Sydney area.

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 and as Sydney Eisteddfod receives no Federal, State or Local Government funding. It exists through the generosity of corporate sponsors and private citizens plus the income it derives from entry fees, ticket sales at its venues and advertising on its website and in its annual program.

Sydney Eisteddfod also serves as a reference point for public enquiries about other competitions and opportunities. It maintains close ties with other arts organisations and is constantly on the look out for performance opportunities for developing artists.

It records its activities in InTempo, a printed newsletter it now publishes on an annual basis, its website, e-news and updates on Facebook. 

Joint Patrons 

His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales, and Mrs Linda Hurley

Life Member

Professor The Honourable Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO

Vice-Patrons 

Douglas Sutherland AM

Artistic Patrons

Maestro Richard Bonynge AC CBE
Maina Gielgud AO

Ambassadors 

Angela Bishop
Amelia Farrugia
Joshua Horner
Deborah Humble
Geoffrey T Jones OAM
Simon Kenway
Steven McRae
Dr Nicholas Milton AM
Stuart Skelton
Simon Tedeschi
Simone Young AM
Léone Ziegler

Directors 

Chairman: Noel Cislowski AM
Deputy Chair: Kim Walker
Honorary Treasurer: Andrew Marchant

Directors:
John Benson
Toby Dewar
Aleks Duric
Donald Mayes
Barry Strong
Peter Vodicka
Dr Thomas Wenkart
Frank Zipfinger

Ex Officio Emeritus Chairman: R John Lamble AO
Ex Officio Finance Committee Chairman: Mark Hancock

Management 

Chief Executive: Piroozi Desai-Keane OAM
Production Manager: Divya Padavarat
Marketing Manager: Johanna Olminkhof
Accountant: Rozena Ghany-Lim
Production Assistant: Maddy Tatham
Marketing Assistant: Alexandra Wilkins
Admin Assistant: Gregory Rotis

Honorary Solicitors: Minter Ellison Lawyers
Auditors: Rhodes Docherty & Co