Everyone’s House
Our strategy
The idea that the Sydney Opera House was built to serve the community is at the heart of our ambition to be Everyone’s House.
With this strategy, we are building on strong foundations while continuing to evolve so that we can make the best possible use of this place, and ensure our people, operations and the building itself are resilient and ready for whatever comes next.
The strategy has four themes:
- We better understand and connect with the community.
- Everyone feels welcome here.
- We are future ready.
- We lead and inspire positive change.
When we launched this strategy in October 2023, we were doing so at a time of great uncertainty, with the community and cultural sector beginning to recover from the pandemic, the longer-term impacts of which were unclear. A three-year outlook (to the end of 2026) seemed appropriate. Since then, however, two things have become clear: global uncertainty shows no sign of abating, and the Everyone’s House ambition has become a unifying pole star.
After a detailed review of our achievements to date, what remains to be done and emerging challenges and opportunities in the operating environment, we are confident that extending the strategy with clear targets to the end of 2028 is the right thing to do. Priorities include: enabling more outdoor activity, with a focus on free and low-cost events; engaging new and diverse artists and audiences; adapting and responding to the impacts of climate change and artificial intelligence.
Download Everyone’s House: Sydney Opera House Strategy 2026-28 (PDF)
Our values
Creativity
We are curious and ask questions. We set out to inspire and be inspired.
Courage
We dare to think differently and are ready to embrace change.
Inclusivity
We respect and welcome everyone. People feel a sense of belonging here.
Integrity
We are honest, open and fair.
Collaboration
We value teamwork. We listen, learn and share. Together, we celebrate success.
Care
We look after each other, this place and the world around us. Safety is our greatest responsibility.
What we stand for
The Sydney Opera House is a living work of art. A place of possibility and wonder. It’s a place where people come together to be uplifted, empowered and entertained. As a symbol of modern Australia, its stories reflect the breadth of our shared human experience.
When the Opera House opened its doors more than five decades ago, its function was defined in clear terms. This would be a home for the performing arts and for discussions about matters of local, national and international significance. These activities would build on the tradition of gathering and storytelling established over millennia by the Gadigal, the custodians of Tubowgule – the land on which the Opera House stands.
Today, that commitment to cultural expression and the exchange of ideas remains as strong as ever.
At the Opera House, we present diverse voices and perspectives, challenging conventions and interrogating old and new ideas. Whether the results are uncomfortable or enriching, provocative or revealing, we open doors to new understanding through the stories we tell.
Our expectation is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. From artists to audiences, visitors to staff, we visit Bennelong Point in a shared pursuit of discovery and community. Opinions may vary, but the values we live by – care, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, creativity, courage, respect – apply to us all.