Uncovered 2021

Showcasing artistic talent on a new stage at the Sydney Opera House

Are you an Australian based maker with a product that is deserving of a new stage to shine on?

Now in its second year, Uncovered is a platform for local artists, makers, creatives and artisans to showcase their artistic excellence through the support of our Uncovered program.

It’s an opportunity for Australian-designed products to headline a three-month residency in the Sydney Opera House’s on-site and online retail shop, and for the creatives to join the growing Uncovered community of alumni participants.

Applications for 2021 are now closed. Sign up to our enews to stay up to date about the program and be the first to know about future opportunities.

The Program

Uncovered is all about discovering new local makers, designers, artisans and creatives. Got a local business in mind? Maybe it's yours. Read through the program details and criteria, and if you tick all the boxes we hope to see your application in the mix in the future. Sign up to our enews to stay in the loop and hear about our future seasons.

The Uncovered team will select three applications, one from each category, to headline a three-month residency in the Sydney Opera House's on-site and online retail shop. The selected applicants will receive guidance and support from the Uncovered team and join the growing Uncovered community of alumni participants to connect and create with.

“Uncovered exists to support and showcase up and coming Australian creative makers, artists and designers and project their stories and creativity through the Sydney Opera House platforms.”

Nicky Brandon, General Manager Tours, Retail and Projects - Visitor Experience

Criteria and Submissions Applications for 2021 are now closed

FAQs

1. What is Uncovered by the Sydney Opera House?

Uncovered is a retail program now in its second year, offering three emerging local creatives, makers, or artists the opportunity to stock their uniquely Australian product in the Sydney Opera House’s on-site and online retail shop.

Product submissions are being invited across three categories:

Jewellery and Accessories
Prints, Photography and Art
Homewares and Gifts

2. How did Uncovered by the Sydney Opera House originate?

Uncovered originated from a small working team of retail experts striving to bring the best of Australian products to the Sydney Opera House Shop. The products showcased in the store strive to be as bold and inspiring as the Sydney Opera House itself and our team want to give Australian creatives and makers the opportunity to showcase their work using the shelves of the Sydney Opera House Shop as a new stage.

3. Who can apply?

The program is open to Australian makers, creatives and artists with an established and uniquely Australian product who are looking for a new opportunity to sell and promote their work.

To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident over 18 years old, with an ABN and Australian bank account.

The Sydney Opera House will only accept applications from independent creatives who own the copyright for their products.

4. How can I apply and when do applications close?

Applications for the 2021 season are now closed. Sign up to our enews to stay in the loop and be the first to know about future Uncovered seasons.

5. Am I too old/young to apply?

As long as you are over 18 years, you are neither too old or too young to participate in Uncovered by the Sydney Opera House.

6. If my application is shortlisted, how will I be contacted?

The Uncovered team will endeavour to contact all applicants to acknowledge if they have been successful in their application for this year or not. If shortlisted, applicants will be contacted via phone or email to discuss their application further.

7. Can I submit more than one application?

You may only submit one application per year, in one of the three categories.

8. Can I put in a late application?

Late applications will not be accepted. Applications for 2021 are now closed.

9. How will my application be assessed?

Applications will be assessed against a number of criteria, including creativity, innovation, suitability for the Sydney Opera House Shop, and alignment to our values (see below).

The land on which the Sydney Opera House stands has been a place of gathering for the Gadigal, and Sydney basin clans to dance, sing, feast, exchange knowledge and share stories. The Sydney Opera House carries on this legacy by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Nations People and First Nations globally.

The Sydney Opera House’s architect, Jørn Utzon, incorporated sustainable design elements to ensure we continue to preserve the land of the Gadigal People. The Sydney Opera House aims to be a leader in environmental and social sustainability with its 2020-2023 Sustainability Plan that builds on the legacy of the Gadigal People.

If you are a First Nations maker or a artist of sustainable products we would love to see your work amongst the applications.

Furthermore, we are looking for products that reflect the Sydney Opera House’s vision to be as bold and inspiring as the building itself.

Sydney Opera House Values:

Creativity: Be bold and innovative
Excellence: Strive for the best
Collaboration: One team
Accountability: Focus and own it
Safety: Our greatest responsibility

10. If I am successful, when are the expected placements in store?

Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be placed in the Sydney Opera House Shop for a period of three months in 2021. The Sydney Opera House will advise you when your product will be in store.

11. Who do I contact if I have any questions about my application?

If you have any questions about completing your application, please contact the Uncovered Team at uncovered@sydneyoperahouse.com.

Meet our Uncovered Alumni

Ceramists Richard unmoulding ceramic cup

Richard Greenacre

Industrial designer by day and ceramicist by night, Richard Greenacre started making ceramics as a way to explore how materials can be shaped in different ways. Based in Melbourne, Richard’s work combines traditional techniques of slip casting with digital technologies including parametric modeling and 3D printing to give each piece its unique character. His Sydney Opera House collection is inspired by Australian native flora, especially the flowers and seed pods from hakea and the banksia plants.

Shop Richard Greenacre

popaboutdesign

Artist, trained architect and educator, Jane from popaboutdesign believes in framing scenes of our neighbourhood to be reminded of those littles moments and pleasures that make life special. Her illustrations are locally designed and printed in Sydney with the idea to celebrate the beauty of the world we see every day at our door step, reminding people this world is worth looking after. This collection features Sydney’s iconic Eastern beaches and rock pools, and the Opera House.

Shop Popaboutdesign

Milly Dent

Sydney ceramicist, Milly Dent, reimagines daily routine through uniquely handcrafted, exclusive ceramic tableware. Handmade using small-scale production methods, Milly’s work features distinctive marbling and geometric patterns. Inspired by the natural world, the vessels display a whirlpool of inky blues frozen in the fluidity that they are created.

Shop Milly Dent

SoulSilk

SoulSilk is a handcrafted silk accessories brand from Queensland. Founder and textile artist, Simin Contractor, produces hand-painted silk scarves inspired by her surroundings – from nature to tribal art forms, famous painters to her imagination. Her Sydney Opera House Shop collection features scarves from her Australian Botanical Collection.

Shop SoulSilk

Eggpicnic

Eggpicnic is a Sydney-based illustration and design studio devoted to wildlife conservation. Designers Camila De Gregorio and Christopher Macaluso produce fine art prints that capture the character of Australian birds, including critically endangered and vulnerable species, to inspire the community to protect our natural world. Their Sydney Opera House Shop collection features birds local to Sydney Harbour.

Shop Eggpicnic