Partnering for change

At the Sydney Opera House , we believe that creativity has a key role to play in creating a more sustainable, equitable, and fairer future for all.

The world has until 2030 to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals), and only 15% of targets are on track.

We know that there is work to do, but we are proud of our passionate, purpose-driven staff who are taking action. So as we mark four years since the Opera House committed to the Global Goals, this Global Goals Week we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the changemakers under the sails.

Ellie McRea, Partnerships New Business Manager, reflects on how the Sydney Opera House’s corporate partners help us achieve purpose.

The Sydney Opera House has a rich history of cultivating purpose-driven partnerships. I absolutely love working here as it brings together my passion for collaboration with like-minded organisations to contribute to making the world a better place through the power of arts and culture. I have always believed that business can be a force for good, especially when it supports the arts.

As a not-for-profit, we rely on corporate support to offer free public programs, present artists from around the world, and create exceptional online and visitor experiences that reflect our status as the symbol of modern Australia.

However, the challenges we face as a planet require collaboration across sectors. This is where the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Global Goals) come in – the ultimate global to-do list for people and the planet. Achieving these Goals demands cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society and that’s where Global Goal 17 - Partnership for the Goals – enters the picture.

Our commitment goes far beyond the stage to education programs, environmental sustainability work, diversity, inclusion, and belonging activities all aligned to the Global Goals. Partnerships can help to fund these programs.

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This year, the collaborative efforts of our partners have led to some wonderful achievements. Let us look at some highlights:

• Archie Rose Distilling Co. supported Sydney Opera House Pride Tours for WorldPride highlighting and celebrating LGBTQIA+ artists and creatives who have performed over the years. And ensured the third Opera House Mardi Gras float - ‘Be Extraordinary’ - made the parade, helping us communicate that everyone should be proud, celebrate diversity, inclusiveness, and love.

• Global Goals Partner Dettol remained a steadfast supporter of the Centre for Creativity and free creative play. Through this partnership we not only encouraged kids to explore their imaginations but also encouraged healthy hand hygiene practices.

• And another Global Goals Partner, 霍尼韦尔 Building Technologies continues to play a pivotal role in our sustainability journey, supporting us in achieving a 6-star Green Star performance rating from the Green Buildings Council of Australia (equating to world leadership in environmental and social sustainability) and also funding a program to support a First Nations tertiary graduate role at the Opera House.

• Our Global Goals Partners then went the extra mile by carbon offsetting our 50th birthday Industry Tours, underscoring their dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting responsible practices.

These partnerships do not just enrich the cultural landscape by building capacity within our organisation; they champion shared goals that ripple far beyond our iconic sails.

Arts and culture have the unique ability to amplify the Global Goals messages and inspire positive action at every level. When we tap into the creative potential of art and culture, we are harnessing a force that can help build a more sustainable and just world. It is a platform for discussing complex issues like inequality, climate change, gender parity, and accessibility in a way that engages meaningfully with the whole community. Art has the unique power to illuminate truths, reignite our optimism, and propel us into action.

Our partners empower us to leverage arts for meaningful change. As we are just over the midway point to the 2030 Global Goals agenda, there is no more important time for big business to align with the arts to help build a better future.

We thank all of our wonderful partners at the Sydney Opera House and believe that through partnership, our potential for good expands exponentially, enabling us to achieve so much more, together.

#PartnershipsForThe Goal #GlobalGoals #CorporatePartnerships #SDGs