The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were created in 1984 by the Trustees of the Sidney Myer Fund to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of Sidney Myer.
The Awards were created to commemorate his life and his love for the arts. They intend primarily to enhance the status of performing arts in Australia and recognise outstanding achievements in dance, drama, comedy, music, opera, circus and puppetry.
The Awards are annual and focus on two awards and one prize:
For the purpose of the Awards, the performing arts include all aspects of creation and performance across all forms of drama, comedy, dance, music, opera, circus and puppetry. They do not include visual or plastic arts, crafts, film, electronic media or literature.
Source: http://www.myerfoundation.org.au/ Sighted: 29/11/2013.
'The Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards were created in 1984 by the Sidney Myer Fund to mark the 50th anniversary of the passing of Sidney Myer and to commemorate his life and cultural interests. The Awards are primarily intended to enhance the status of the performing arts in Australia and pay tribute to outstanding achievement in drama, comedy, dance, music, opera, circus and puppetry.'
Source: The Myer Foundation website, http://www.myerfoundation.org.au/_115.asp#background