The curatorial policy is a set of guidelines that underpins the artistic vision of the Festival.

Sydney Festival is dedicated to showcasing works of excellence across a range of artistic disciplines while prioritising diversity, inclusion and equal access. Through carefully curated programming that aligns to the artistic vision and strategy of the Festival, we aim to create a platform that celebrates the richness of human experiences and perspectives, fostering a sense of community and understanding among artists, audiences and the wider community.

Core Principles:

1. Artistic Excellence: Our primary focus is presenting high-quality artistic works that challenge, inspire and captivate our audiences. We uphold rigorous standards of artistic excellence in all our programming.
   
   
2. Diversity and Inclusion: We believe in the power of diverse voices and perspectives to enrich the arts and society. With First Nations people first our programming actively seeks out artists and works representing a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and viewpoints.
   
   
3. Equal Access: We are committed to removing barriers that prevent equitable access to the arts. Our Festival strives to be physically accessible, financially attainable and culturally sensitive,  ensuring that all members of our community can participate and engage with the programming.
   
   
4. Public Funding: We uphold the entitlement of all artists and entities to avail themselves of public funding, facilitating the inception and presentation of their creations. We also honour their choice to use public funds devoid of any political endorsement, intervention or sway.
   
   
5. Collaboration: We recognise the value of collaboration in fostering innovation and creativity. We will actively seek partnerships with local, national and international organisations, artists, and communities to create a dynamic and interconnected Festival experience.
   
   
6. Education and Engagement: In addition to presenting performances, we are dedicated to offering educational opportunities and engagement initiatives. Workshops, panels and discussions provide audiences with deeper insights into the creative process and the broader cultural context of the works presented.

Curatorial Guidelines:

1. Artistic Diversity: Our programming encompasses a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines, including but not limited to theatre, opera, dance, music, visual arts, spoken word and interdisciplinary performances. We strive for a balanced representation of genres and styles.
   
   
2. Representation: We actively seek out underrepresented artists and voices, giving priority to works that amplify narratives and perspectives often marginalised in mainstream spaces.
   
   
3. Curation Process: The curatorial team employs an open and transparent selection process that considers artistic merit, relevance to the Festival’s artistic vision, and alignment with our mission. The team includes individuals from diverse backgrounds to ensure a variety of perspectives.
   
   
4. Accessibility: All Festival venues and precincts are selected with accessibility in mind, including considerations for physical accessibility, sensory accommodations and affordability. We provide captioning, sign language interpretation and other aids to ensure inclusivity.
   
   
5. Community Engagement: We actively involve the broader community in the Festival through partnerships with local organisations and community groups. Outreach programs, workshops  and free events extend the Festival’s impact beyond the performances.
   
   
6. Feedback and Improvement: We are committed to continuous improvement. We gather feedback from artists, audiences and stakeholders to assess our programming’s impact and identify future enhancements.

Conclusion: Our curatorial policy reflects our dedication to excellence, diversity and equal access in the performing arts. By adhering to these principles and guidelines, we aim to create a Festival that showcases outstanding artistic achievements while nurturing a culture of inclusivity and understanding that celebrates the human experience.