Since 1984, the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards have recognised and celebrated many of Australia’s greatest artists, organisations and facilitators. Now in its 34th year, the Awards continue in that tradition with the announcement of their 2016 recipients. Gavin Webber, Australian Theatre for Young People, and Kathy Burns, have taken home an Individual Award (worth $60,000), a Group Award (worth $90,000), and a Facilitator’s Prize (worth $25,000), respectively.

“The Sidney Myer Fund is delighted to recognise the invaluable contribution that each of these wonderful winners makes to the arts in Australia and to the wider community.  It is the dynamic and tireless work of these, and indeed so many other artists perusing their visions that greatly enrich our lives and helps build a more cohesive Australian society. I congratulate each of them”, said Carrillo Gantner, Chairman of the Sidney Myer Fund.

This year, those on the judging committee, chaired by Gantner, included arts luminaries Iain Grandage, Louise Herron, Lindy Hume, Andrew Ross and Noel Staunton. The committee aims to not only recognise nominees’ past achievements, but to consider their future contribution to Australian society through their work in the arts.

Winner of this year’s Individual Award, Gavin Webber is co-Artistic Director of...