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The Sydney Opera HousePlay Award

An annual award for a primary school with a practical idea that has made demonstrated positive impact in children’s lives through play.

Award Amount: $10,000 

About the Play Award

The Sydney Opera House has an ongoing and rich connection with play and its intrinsic connection to the arts and learning. From the inspiring stories on our stages, to the artists who enliven our Centre for Creativity, we are committed to equipping artists and audiences with the capacity and skills to embed play in their classrooms, creative and civic spaces, and everyday life.  

It is in this spirit that we continue our relationship with renowned educator Professor Pasi Sahlberg, and present the Sydney Opera House Play Award. 

This annual Play Award (2024-2027 inclusive) will be given to a primary school with a practical idea that has made demonstrated positive impact in children’s lives through play. This idea may include, but is not limited to, new learning program, redesigned physical environment, or community partnership that has contributed to children’s opportunities to play.

In 2024, the Sydney Opera House Play Award recipient was Avonvale Primary School, Western Australia. 

The recipient of the Play Award will be announced by the Sydney Opera House on International Play Day, 11 June 2025. The Play Award is made possible by the generous donation of Professor Pasi Sahlberg.  

Apply now (link is external, opens in new tab or window)

Play is how children explore, discover, fail, succeed, socialize, and flourish. It is a fundamental element of the human condition. It's the key to giving schoolchildren skills they need to succeed – skills like creativity, innovation, teamwork, focus, resilience, expressiveness, empathy, concentration, and executive function.

Pasi Sahlberg and William Doyle, 'Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive'

Watch now

Play Award 2024 Winners: Avonvale Primary School

How to apply

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Get involved

We are seeking supporters to grow the scale and ambition of the Play Award. If you are interested in donating towards this award and making play central to our lives and learning, please email Tamara Harrison, Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning.

Frequently asked questions