Skip to main content

Main navigation

A person in an apron painting a canvas.

Applications open for Opera House Uncovered program

Sydney – Wednesday 25 November, 2020. The Sydney Opera House is searching for three new creatives to take part in the second year of its successful Uncovered program, which provides an opportunity for local makers, designers and artists to have their Australian-inspired products sold in one of the world’s most iconic retail environments.

Since launching in 2019, Uncovered has established itself as a valuable platform to showcase local design talent, with submissions encouraged across a range of products, including homewares, photography and jewellery. An expert panel assesses design submissions on creativity, innovation and the product’s connection to Australia and to the Opera House itself, with selected products sold in-store and online for three months.

Successful creatives will also receive support from the Uncovered team of creative experts, and have their product promoted across the Opera House’s large Australian and international community.

Sydney Opera House General Manager, Tours, Retail & Projects, Nicola Brandon said: “This year, there has been a real shift to ‘go local’, to support your community, and to seek out amazing products closer to home. The Uncovered program is all about shining a spotlight on the next generation of local makers, designers, artisans and creatives so it’s exciting to be announcing the return of the program for a second consecutive year.

“We can’t wait to see what our talented artistic community comes up with and to share their stories and exceptional products with Australia and the rest of the world.”

The Opera House’s Uncovered 2019 pilot program featured the work of a number of Australian creatives, including: Camila De Gregorio and Christopher Macaluso from Eggpicnic, who create charming native bird illustrations; Queensland-based Simin Contractor who designed SoulSilk’s bush-inspired scarves; and Marrickville-based ceramicist Milly Dent, whose striking angular ceramics are available in the Opera House’s store from today.

Uncovered participant and Eggpicnic co-founder, Camila De Gregorio said: “It’s been incredibly enriching to be involved in the Opera House’s Uncovered program and to elevate the profile of our work with Australia's iconic birdlife and the natural world. We would definitely encourage other Australian artists and creatives to take up the opportunity to apply and receive guidance from the panel, who have been immensely supportive and helpful in their advice.”

Australian makers, creatives and artists interested in taking part in the program can enter their products via an open application process here. Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT on Monday 18 January 2021.

Today’s announcement also celebrates the reopening of the Opera House’s retail store, following an eight-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on key dates, eligibility and judging criteria, visit: www.sydneyoperahouse.com/uncovered

For media information, please contact:

Alice Nguyen
Communications Specialist
+61 418 413 145
anguyen@sydneyoperahouse.com