Live performance marks bounce back

After closing its doors in March 2020 for the first time since World War II due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sydney Eisteddfod is committed to helping performers re-engage in the arts.

Piroozi Desai-Keane OAM, Chief Executive of Sydney Eisteddfod, said, “I’ve spoken to hundreds of parents and teachers during the pandemic with feedback that children's confidence to perform has been knocked as a result of live event closures and face-to-face training being cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Never before has performance been so important – we know how critical the arts are in developing confidence, a sense of community, peer-to-peer learning and resilience.

“For performing arts in Australia to not only survive, but thrive we need to nurture and support the next generation of performers to nurture their talents by giving them the opportunity to stand in the spotlight, be judged by leading industry professionals and have fun in the process.”

Peter Wright, Associate Professor of Arts Education and Research Methods at Murdoch University, said, “There is huge value in learning performing arts that goes far beyond a standing ovation.

“Research suggests that engagement in performing arts can help children develop greater academic competency, improves cognitive and emotional skills like the ability to persevere, harness self-discipline and cooperation which are hugely important in personal life as well as in the workplace. Importantly, performance also cultivates a greater sense of belonging within a community. This has never been more critical than in a post-pandemic world.

“The return of Sydney Eisteddfod is a welcome opportunity for children to contribute to society’s culture and acquire skills that can help them learn, grow and belong."

Aspiring performers in the Sydney Eisteddfod 2021 have the chance to win over $400,000 worth of prizes and scholarships in over 300 performing arts events across dance, drama, music and song running from May to October.

For more information visit: https://sydneyeisteddfod.com.au