Transfield Foundation

Founded in 1973 by Transfield’s Chairman, Franco Belgiorno-Nettis, the Biennale of Sydney is an international showcase for contemporary art.

From the beginning its aim was to develop and present a program that challenged traditional thinking and encouraged innovative, creative expression. The event proved to be a natural fit with Sydney, reflecting the blend of experiment and enjoyment of innovation and energy that has always been a hallmark of Australia's largest city. From a small start, the Biennale is today widely considered to be among the pre-eminent global contemporary art events and Australia’s largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts event. In 2010, the 17th Biennale of Sydney celebrated the organisation’s 37th anniversary, and achieved record-breaking visitation of over half a million attending the event. In the 37 years from 1973 to 2010, the Biennale of Sydney has presented 17 critically acclaimed, popular and large-scale exhibitions – bringing the work of 1503 artists from 83 countries to Australia.

Internationally renowned for inspired programming and the rapturous response of audiences and critics, the Australian Chamber Orchestra is a product of Australia’s vibrant, adventurous and enquiring spirit.

In performances around the world and on many recordings, the ACO moves hearts and stimulates minds with repertoire spanning six centuries and a vitality and virtuosity unmatched by other ensembles.

The ACO was founded in 1975 by John Painter and its current Artistic Director and Lead Violin, Richard Tognetti was appointed in 1989. Under Richard’s leadership, the ACO has performed as a flexible and versatile ‘ensemble of soloists’, on modern and period instruments, as a small chamber group, a small symphony orchestra, and as an electro-acoustic collective. The ACO’s unique artistic style encompasses not only classical masterworks, but innovative cross-artform projects and a vigorous commissioning program.

Accessible Arts promotes and provides opportunities for people with disability to participate in arts and cultural activities either as audience members; through attending galleries, theatres, museums and festivals; or as participants in art, drama, music, dance and multimedia activities; and by developing as professional artists. The organisation's vision is a society in which people with disability can contribute to and fully experience the arts and cultural life.

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