New Spring program announced for the Centre for Creativity

Sydney – The Opera House today announced the line-up of events, creative experiences and hands-on workshops that will take place in its Centre for Creativity from September to November.

The program of 15 free and paid participatory experiences will feature a special birthday tea party to celebrate the Opera House 50th anniversary year, slam poetry writing workshops, drawing tours, guided meditations and joyous communal singing for all ages and abilities.

Sydney Opera House Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning, Tamara Harrison said: “Now in its second year, the Opera House’s purpose-built home of creativity continues to expand the breadth of hands-on experiences available to our community. The new spring program is charged with interactivity and imaginative thinking, opening the building in new and exciting ways to children, families and lifelong learners.”

NSW Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, The Hon John Graham MLC said: “The Opera House has unveiled another exciting program for its Centre for Creativity, a dedicated home of innovation and imagination that has welcomed thousands of visitors since it opened in January 2022. As the Opera House celebrates five extraordinary decades of creativity this year, I encourage everyone to explore the new program and engage with the art, artists and architecture that continues to inspire the creativity in all of us.”

For babies (ages 0-2 years old)

• Lullaby Love || 9 September, 18 November: Alongside musician and songwriter, Angie Who, babies and their carers can immerse themselves in an intimate musical experience, helping to strengthen infant bond, increase social connection and decrease stress.
• Baby Music Jam || 19 September, 31 October: An interactive introduction to music for babies aged 0-2 and their carers. This workshop, led by musician Simona Green, helps babies discover the world of music, developing both cognitive and emotional skills through singing and playing instruments.

For children and families 

• Opera House 50th Birthday Par-Tea || 29 October: Help celebrate the Opera House’s 50th birthday with artist Anney Bounpraseuth, by taking part in this special and free workshop, including costume making, face painting and party anthems.
• Benny the Seal’s Underwater Adventure || 24 September: Using watercolour painting techniques, this free drawing and painting workshop is perfect for all nature and sea lovers. Artist Anney Bounpraseuth will teach kids how to draw Sydney Opera House mascot, Benny the Seal, while learning about fun seal trivia.
• Opera House Book Making || 25 & 26 September: Make your own illustrations and zines inspired by the Sydney Opera House, led by French/Australian illustrator and architect, Antonia Pesenti and best-selling Alphabetical Sydney author, Hilary Bell on the occasion of the performances of Alphabetical Sydney.
• Mini Maestro || 19 November: In this free art-making and movement workshop, artist Anney Bounpraseuth will teach children how to reate and decorate their own wearable coat tails and baton, as well as imagine what it would be like to conduct the orchestra.
• Dance Mania || 27 & 28 September: A two-day school holiday workshop for 9-11 year-olds where ballet, contemporary and hip hop combine to make a beautiful dance explosion, facilitated by award-winning dancer and choreographer Charemaine Seet.
• Alien Invasion || 4 & 5 October: A three-hour school holiday workshop and interactive quest where 5-9 year-olds will help find a baby alien that was left behind at the Opera House.

For young people, adults and seniors (15 – 55+ years)

• Spoken Word Poetry Workshops with Bankstown Poetry Slam || 9 September, 7 October, 18 November:  Join poets and creatives alike for a series of creative writing workshops inspired by the great storytellers of the Opera House and Bankstown Poetry Slam, to build your skills in slam poetry, writing and presentation.
• Life Drawing and Opera Singing || 5 November: Experience a live performance by an Opera Australia performer accompanied by a pianist, while being guided by artist with Anney Bounpraseuth on how to bring human form to life through drawing.
• Meditation and Creativity || 23 September: Academic counsellor and meditation teacher Nadine Cameron and ambient musician SnowBorne (David Rosa) guide meditations to help participants reach a state of creative awareness.
• Architecture Club || 30 September, 11 November: Inspired by architect Jørn Utzon, these workshops, led by architect and educator Louise O’Brien, are for both beginners and design lovers. Participants are able to get creative through a series of fun and playful design exercises, while learning about the architectural history of the Opera House.
• Spring for Seniors Dance Theatre Class || 29 September, 3 November: These popular gatherings welcome anyone aged 55+ for a social and creative workshop inspired by the great tradition of dance theatre. Participants will explore creative expression with artist Diane Busuttil through a gentle class that helps to build strength, mobility, balance and memory.
• Draw the House: The Sketchbook Tour || 24 September, 29 October, 26 November: A free monthly walking and drawing tour led by artist Catherine O’Donnell that explores various drawing techniques and perspectives inspired by one of the world’s most iconic buildings.
• Big Heart Sing || 23 October, 20 November: A free monthly choir led by Stuart Davis, a long time Sydney community and massed choir maestro. Join like-minded music lovers to experience the joyous power of communal song, with a different repertoire each month – from the Beatles to Beethoven and ABBA to opera.