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 on its website, e-newsletter and updates on social media.
Patron
Her Excellency The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC Governor of NSW
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
Alexander Campbell
Amelia Farrugia
Joshua Horner
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: Simone Whetton
Honorary Treasurer: Andrew Marchant
Directors:
Representing The Secretary NSW Department of Education - John Benson
Angela Bishop
Toby Dewar
Donald Mayes OAM
Barry Strong
Peter Vodicka
Kim Walker
Dr Thomas Wenkart
Ex Officio Emeritus Chairman: R John Lamble AO
Ex Officio Finance Committee Chairman: Mark Hancock
Management
Chief Executive: Piroozi Desai-Keane OAM
Production Manager: Maddy Tatham
Marketing Manager: Sophie Rupp
Accountant: Rozena Ghany-Lim
Production Assistant: Gregory Rotis
Marketing Assistant: Erin Camenzuli
Admin Assistant: Scarlet Quinn
Honorary Solicitors: Minter Ellison Lawyers
Auditors: Rhodes Docherty & Co
