Stories of impact
How donors have shaped the stories we tell
New Work Now
Bringing Australian artists to the world
We spoke to four local artists about their experience creating new work in 2020, enabled by our New Work Now donors.
This year, these donors continue to help us invest in Australian artists to create and present bold new works across genres, for diverse audiences, that bring people together through sharing uniquely Australian stories, on our physical and digital stages.
Access program
Art, Music & Dementia
We know that music has a positive effect on the quality of life of people with dementia and their carers.
Now we are discovering that works of art, stories, and hands-on activities make the music even more powerful.
This is the exciting difference the Art, Music and Dementia pilot is exploring.
Access program
“It was the best show ever!”
Isabella is a bright, vivacious, five year old – and congenitally blind. When she came to the Opera House to experience Possum Magic, the show was as exciting and fulfilling for her as for any other five year old with the help of our specially-trained guide - from the soaring sails to the vegemite sandwich!
Enabled by our donors, our Access program makes sure everyone can have their own Opera House experience.
Donor-enabled acquisition
50 years on, a piece of history comes home
Jørn Utzon always intended the interiors of the Opera House to be filled with the work of the great artists of his day.
In 2016, with the help of our valued donors, we became one step closer to realising his vision.
Arts Assist
Serenity at the Opera House
“My favourite thing about coming to the Opera House was seeing how big it was, because I’ve never actually seen it in person.”
For 11 year old Serenity, her first visit to the Opera House uncovered a world of possibilities beyond the classroom and daily life. Through our donor-enabled Arts Assist program, she experienced the wonder of live performance and excitement of the iconic building.
Our donors
Our digital pioneers
With an appetite for history, a love of the performing arts and a relationship lasting since our doors opened, the Wolanskis have an enduring presence in the Opera House’s history.
Pioneers of digital programming, The Wolanski Foundation has enabled us to share the excitement and awe of the Opera House, far beyond its walls.
Donor collective
Art Assembly: Jason Phu
Thank you to our contributing Sydney Opera House donors and the ARROW Collective for its support in securing philanthropic seed funding for Art Assembly in association with Antidote 2019.
Sydney-based artist Jason Phu brought his performance and installation, Procession in the Warming Light/Procession in the Rising Darkness to the Western Broadwalk, to explore human responsibility for climate change.
Our donors
“My greatest joy is to give”
We asked the late Peter Weiss if he would help bring to life a long-held dream – to provide professional rehearsal rooms for our largest venue, which is in use almost 365 days a year but has no dedicated artist practice spaces.
Without hesitation, Peter agreed.
New donor group
Daring art with The Brave
Among our Opera House donors, The Brave are those who help us to champion new art, ideas, artists, and art forms – great works of today and works that will shape tomorrow.
Powerful filmmaking
For Arthur Jafa, Black art is the heart of America
Our donor-enabled visual art program brought the groundbreaking artist and filmmaker to Sydney.
First Nations celebration
An interactive guide to Dance Rites
Get to know the inspiring, donor-enabled First Nations dance competition.
Asian physical theatre
Vietnam’s villages bloom into a city in À Ố Làng Phố
Our Brave donors helped present Tuan Le's new circus which challenges how we see Asia.
Legendary musical
Return to the Age of Aquarius
Reminiscing on the 1969 Sydney opening night of HAIR. Our 50th anniversary production is supported by The Vine Foundation.
Thank you for your gift.
You play a vital role in treasuring and renewing the Opera House for future generations of artists, audiences and visitors, and ensuring the Opera House is open for everyone, for ever. Thank you to our generous donors.