Tamara Harrison appointed as Sydney Opera House Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning

Sydney – Friday, 28 February 2020. The Sydney Opera House today announced that Tamara Harrison has been appointed to the role of Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning, joining the artistic leadership team of the Opera House's internal programming arm, Sydney Opera House Presents. In this role, Harrison will oversee a year-round program that aims to inspire young people, families, students and educators through performing arts experiences, workshops, talks and creative play.

Harrison joins the Opera House with extensive national and international experience in the arts and culture sector across a range of performance genres. She has held a number of senior positions at The School of Life Australia, Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and Malthouse Theatre, across programming, sector and audience development, partnerships and communications. As Executive Producer/CEO of Polyglot Theatre, Harrison was responsible for an annual program of projects and performances for young people, as well as leading the company’s international collaborations and touring. Most recently, she has worked with Circus Oz and The Ethics Centre, consulting on international programming and talks and ideas events.

Tamara Harrison said: “Having spent many years exploring national and international performing arts work for children and families across the globe, and seeing the depth and breadth of vision and ingenuity in this sector, I am extremely excited to be joining the Opera House team. What a privilege to be given the opportunity to work with the best artists both here and internationally, on an architectural world heritage site on Gadigal land, beloved by local audiences and visitors from around the world.

Globally, the voices of young people are contributing to our re-imaginings of new futures. I’m looking forward to creating programs that support this creativity and inspiration, are entertaining and relevant to young audiences and their families, and support lifelong engagement with the arts. To have the opportunity to do this across the Sydney Opera House’s stages, building and digital streams is exhilarating.”

The Opera House first began programming for children in 1977, just four years after it first opened. Four decades on, the program reaches more than 150,000 people each year – including children of all ages, parents at all stages, and teachers and experts around Australia and the world – providing meaningful creative opportunities to encourage a lifelong connection with the arts.

Sydney Opera House Director of Programming Fiona Winning, says: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome such an experienced and passionate arts worker and advocate to the Sydney Opera House. Tamara’s appointment secures our commitment to excellence in programming unmissable artistic experiences for children and families, as well as delivering transformative digital learning and educational programs. With her expertise and collaborative leadership, Tamara is uniquely placed to lead our Children, Families and Creative Learning team to connect brilliant ideas, contemporary performance and creative play to engage future generations as audiences and active citizens.”

Harrison commences in the role immediately following the departure of Bridgette Van Leuven who last year took up a role with the Asia Education Foundation as Associate Director of International Education Programs.