The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards are a former Australian set of awards to recognise individuals and groups in the performing arts. Launched in 1984, the final award was given in 2023.
History 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 ran for 40 years up to and including 2023. The awards were created to commemorate Sidney Myer's life and his love for the arts. They were intended primarily to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music, opera, circus, and puppetry.
Description In their final iteration, there was one Individual Award (), one Group Award () and one Facilitator's Prize ().
The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were announced and presented early each year for the preceding year. The awards were decided on a national basis and each nomination was considered by a judging committee. While past achievement was recognised, consideration was also given to the potential of an individual or group to continue their contribution to Australian society through the performing arts into the future.
Winners Year Individual Award Group Award Facilitator's Prize Ref2023Jane HarrisonLucy Guerin IncCollette Brennan2022Eryn Jean NorvillMarrugekuDeirdre O'Brien2021Clare Watson, James Berlyn, Jenny M ThomasAll the Queens Men, Blakdance, Speak PercussionAustralian Digital Concert Hall, Erin Milne2020Kylie Bracknell [Kaarljilba Kaardn], Sally Chance, Robin FoxMetro Arts, Second Echo Ensemble, The Street TheatreAndrew Ford, Sean Pardy2019Barrie KoskyEnsemble OffspringRichard Watts2018Genevieve LaceyBleach* FestivalAnnette Downs2017Kate MulvanyDancenorthNicole Beyer2016Gavin WebberAustralian Theatre for Young PeopleKathy Burns2015Ursula YovichMOFO and DARK MOFODaniel Clarke2014Lally KatzThe Australian Brandenburg OrchestraHelen Marcou and Quincy McLean2013Daniel Keene and Elena Kats-CherninCIRCAjointly awarded to Jill Morgan AM and Mohindar Dhillon2012Iain GrandageIlbijerri Theatre CompanyPhilip Rolfe2011Eddie PerfectWindmill TheatreSkinnyfish Music2010Paul CapsisAustralian Art OrchestraJohn Paxinos2009Julie ForsythThe Black Arm BandJointly awarded to Mandawuy Yunupingu and Footscray Community Arts2008Archie Roach and Ruby HunterBig hARTPaul Petran2007Ros WarbyJointly awarded to The Song Company and TasdanceIan Scobie2006Nigel JamiesonTaikOzBill Hauritz2005Benedict AndrewsBack to Back TheatreDavid BatesDavid Bates who brought the Spiegeltent to Australia and who has been responsible for its wonderful eclectic programming.2004Rod Quantockjointly awarded to: Melbourne Workers Theatre and Tracks Dance TheatreLee-Ann Buckskin2003Stephen Page and Indigenous Individual winner Kylie BellingAcrobatSarah Miller and Indigenous Facilitator's Prize Lafe Charlton2002Lisa Gasteen and Indigenous Individual Winner Aaron PedersenUrban Theatre ProjectsMary Vallentine and Indigenous Facilitator's Prize - jointly awarded to Lynette Narkle, Paul McPhail and David Milroy2001Paul Grabowsky and Indigenous Individual Winner David PageNorthern Rivers Performing Arts IncIan Roberts (producer) and Indigenous Facilitator's Prize Richard Frankland2000Lucy GuerinLeigh Warren & DancersJill Smith1999David PledgerStrange FruitLiz Jones1998Nick EnrightAustralian Chamber OrchestraStephen McIntyre1997Robyn NevinPlaybox TheatreRhoda Roberts1996Peter J. WilsonJointly awarded to Company B Belvoir and Expressions Dance CompanyWendy Blacklock AM1995Jointly awarded to Hannie Rayson and Paul LivingstonTasmanian Symphony OrchestraDavid Blenkinsop1994Michael Kieran HarveyLegs On The WallJulie Dyson AM1993Geoffrey RushDoppio Teatro and Bangarra Dance TheatreMarguerite Pepper1992Meryl TankardChrissie Parrott Dance CompanyLindy Davies1991Kim WalkerJointly awarded to Synergy and Chamber Made OperaPhillip A'Vard1990John BeckettBran Nue Day Productions1989Sue IngletonJointly awarded to One Extra Company and Bharatam Dance CompanySir Rupert Hamer1988Neil ArmfieldSalamanca Theatre CompanyJohn Larkin1987Jointly awarded to Peter Wilson and Richard BradshawAstra Chamber Music Society1986Chris WestwoodFlederman Ensemble1985Peter OystonDance Works1984Jack DavisJointly awarded to Circus Oz and Sydney Dance Company
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