Sydney Eisteddfod, the venerable launchpad for Australia’s brightest performing arts talent, has announced the appointment of Heather Campbell as its new General Manager. This exciting development heralds another period of building on the legacy strengths for the organisation, coinciding with its recent move to a permanent home at Chippen Street Theatre in Chippendale.
For over nine decades, Sydney Eisteddfod has been a cornerstone of Australian arts, nurturing talent at the grassroots level and providing life-changing opportunities for young artists. From dance luminaries like Marilyn Jones, Lisa Pavane, Stephen McRae, Damian Smith, and Stanton Welch, to countless others, the Eisteddfod has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural landscape.
"I’m proud to lead this incredible organisation which brings people together from all walks of life," says Campbell. "No matter who you are, you are guaranteed an inspiring experience at this year’s Festival."
Max Holzner, Chairman of the Board, added, "Heather Campbell’s appointment marks an exciting era for the Sydney Eisteddfod, ensuring a well-run season that truly supports and celebrates our artists. With fresh leadership, a dedicated team, and our Strategic Plan being finalised, we are committed to honouring the Eisteddfod’s legacy while embracing the future with professionalism, passion, and purpose."
Campbell brings a wealth of experience working with young people, notably through her long-standing role as a Teaching Artist at the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) and her recent tenure as Manager of the Sydney Children's Choir at Gondwana Choirs. Her passion for fostering young talent and her dedication to providing equitable opportunities for all performers align perfectly with Sydney Eisteddfod’s mission. Recognising the technical and artistic complexities of the dance disciplines, she has expressed a strong commitment to seeking counsel from leading dance industry experts. This proactive approach underscores her dedication to ensuring artistic excellence and the highest standards in all dance-related aspects of the Eisteddfod, reassuring the dance community of her commitment to integrity.
Regarding the integrity of dance adjudication, Campbell emphasised the organisation’s unwavering commitment to development and fairness. "We recognise how crucial adjudicators are to creating a valuable experience for our participants," she said. "For this reason, we are carefully vetting and selecting industry professionals for this year’s festival based on their experience, qualifications, and knowledge of diverse dance styles." This includes a thorough review of their professional backgrounds, previous teaching and adjudicating roles, and feedback from entrants and teachers. To further reinforce technical standards, safe dance practice, and prioritising child safety, the Eisteddfod has refreshed its adjudicator policies, formalising expectations and providing clear guidance to those engaged. Campbell also highlighted the organisation's desire to find new talented Adjudicators. "We are also always on the lookout for new adjudicators so encourage anyone interested in getting involved to get in touch - we would love to hear from them!" She said.
Campbell spoke enthusiastically about championing the balance between competition and creating a supportive environment. "It's all about honouring Sydney Eisteddfod’s foundations as a competition, while building upon performance opportunities for everyone that the festival offers," she explained. "We uphold the integrity of the competition by ensuring transparent conditions of entry and fair events, while also fostering a welcoming atmosphere." The Eisteddfod works to celebrate top performers while recognising effort and improvement through constructive feedback. These changes have been developed after gathering extensive feedback from entrants and stakeholders after the 2024 events. Campbell emphasised that "Above all, our aim is to ensure that every participant has an enjoyable and rewarding Sydney Eisteddfod experience," with events accessible to all levels and a positive atmosphere that encourages support and learning.
Under Campbell's leadership, Sydney Eisteddfod is embracing even more inclusive and innovative approaches to dance. The introduction of non-competitive events, such as the 'All Abilities' Dance Group and Solo, provides a platform for dancers living with disabilities, while the 'Baby Dance Group' section encourages the youngest performers to take to the stage in a supportive environment. The reintroduction of the 'Primary School Boys Dance Group' signifies a commitment to promoting more male participation in dance.
The announcement comes as Sydney Eisteddfod opens entries for its 2025 festival, promising an expansive program. Running from May to September, the festival will feature over 350 events, providing a stage for singers, dancers, actors, musicians, composers, bands, choirs, and orchestras to showcase their talent.
Sydney Eisteddfod is actively seeking experienced Dance adjudicators for the 2025 competition. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in dance performance, education, or adjudication, maintain fairness and objectivity, demonstrate a genuine passion for nurturing young dancers, and provide insightful, constructive feedback with integrity. Those interested should contact Sydney Eisteddfod via their website