Published: 30 September 2022
Last updated: 5 March 2024
Decision comes after independent review of the sponsorship controversy.
Sydney Festival has suspended all funding agreements with foreign governments and their cultural agencies, after a mass boycott by artists and audiences earlier this year.
The festival’s chair, David Kirk, announced the decision on Tuesday, after an independent review prompted by controversy over a sponsorship agreement with the Israeli embassy during the 2022 festival.
More than 20 acts withdrew over a $20,000 sponsorship from the Israeli embassy to co-fund a Sydney Dance Company production featuring the work of Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin.
The anti-Israel Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement hailed the decision as a “huge win” arguing it would prevent Israel trying to “artwash” itself.
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Sydney festival to suspend foreign government funding after mass boycott (Guardian)
Photo: Decadence, choreographed by Ohad Naharin, prompted a boycott controversy at the 2022 Sydney Festival (Sydney Dance Company)
