Footscray Community Arts Centre

News

Sidney Myer Awards

Footscray Community Arts Centre is thrilled to announce that it has been jointly awarded the prestigious Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award Facilitator’s Award. The 2009 award, worth $15,000, was announced at a special ceremony held at the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute in Adelaide on Friday 5 March. 

Sharing the award with Footscray Community Arts Centre was Australian music legend Mandawuy Yunupingu (of Yothu Yindi fame).

Over its 35 year history, Footscray Community Arts Centre has facilitated the development of hundreds of community-based artists and arts workers who have gone on to establish professional careers in the Australian arts industry.

Footscray Community Arts Centre’s Director and CEO, Jennifer Barry, accepted the award on the Centre’s behalf saying: “It was a joy to accept this award on behalf of the dedicated team at Footscray Community Arts Centre and a true honour to share it with Mandawuy Yunupingu from Yothu Yindu. As well as an amazing history, the Centre has a big future ahead and this recognition of our work by the Sidney Myer Foundation is a real boost to our spirits. We will use the money to support our Sunday Arvo Music Series winter program.”

Established in 1984, the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were initiated by the Sidney Myer Fund to mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Sidney Myer and to commemorate his life and his love for the arts.  The awards primarily intend to enhance the status of performing arts in Australia and recognise outstanding achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music, opera, circus and puppetry. Past winners include Geoffrey Rush, Paul Grabowsky, Neil Armfield, Archie Roach and the late Ruby Hunter.