The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were created in 1984 by the Trustees of the Sidney Myer Fund to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Sidney Myer and to commemorate his life and love for the arts.
Their purpose is to enhance the status of the performing arts in Australia and recognise outstanding achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music, opera, circus and puppetry.
The Awards are annual and comprise:
· The Individual Award - $50,000
• The Group Award - $80,000
• The Facilitator's Prize - $20,000
The Awards are national and considered by a Judging Committee. While past achievements are recognised, consideration is also given to the ongoing contribution of an individual or group to Australian society through the performing arts.
Previous winners include:
Individual Award: Eddie Perfect, Paul Capsis, Julie Forsyth, Ruby Hunter & Archie Roach, Ros Warby, Nigel Jamieson, Benedict Andrews, Rod Quantock, Stephen Page
The Group Award: Skinnyfish, Australian Art Orchestra, The Black Arm Band, Big hART, Tasdance, The Song Company, TaikOz, Back to Back Theatre, Tracks Dance Theatre
The Facilitator Award: John Paxinos, Mandawuy Yunupingu, Footscray Community Arts Centre, Paul Petran, Ian Scobie, Bill Hauritz, David Bates, Lee-Ann Tjunypa Buckskin, Sarah Miller
For more information, applicants should visit Special Programs at: www.myerfoundation.org.au
Or contact:
Stephen Armstrong, Program Manager, The Myer Foundation and Sidney Myer Fund
(03) 8672 5551