40 Years at the Wharf: The Next Steps
Wharf 4/5 has been our home since 1986 - a singular space carved from Sydney industrial heritage over the saltwater of the Gadigal.
Within its studios, generations of extraordinary dancers have trained, created and performed, laying the foundation for work that has earned international acclaim for Australian culture.
Over four decades, hundreds of thousands of people have passed through our doors to experience the joy of movement. The Wharfquirky, creaky and steeped in history - has become inseparable from the identity of Sydney Dance Company.
In the lead-up to our 50th anniversary, we launched an ambitious capital campaign to transform Sydney Dance Company’s harbour-side home into a true creative powerhouse for contemporary dance in Australia, supported by the NSW Government
Our 40 Years at the Wharf - the Next Steps fundraising campaign builds on deepening our commitment to the artists, audiences and community who have shaped us - our human capital, while investing in everything we are yet to become.
h Photo by Jez Smith
As we mark 40 years at the Wharf, we are standing at a defining moment in Sydney Dance Company’s history.
For four decades, this remarkable harbour-side home has been the engine of our creativity - where dancers are trained and bold new work is created and rehearsed. It is here that we have built a company recognised nationally and around the world.
The Next Steps is the next phase of our capital campaign - focused on securing the long-term future of Sydney Dance Company and supporting our human capital. This is not simply about sustaining what we do today. It is about giving the Company the financial strength and independence to:
• create and commission ambitious new work
• invest in dancers and choreographers over the long term
• expand our reach across Australia and internationally
• deepen our engagement with community and future audiences Like many arts organisations, we are operating in an environment of rising costs and constrained funding. Building greater financial resilience now is essential - not just as a response to difficult times, but as an act of confidence in what Sydney Dance Company has and can become.
This campaign has been designed to do exactly that. By strengthening our financial foundations, we will ensure the Company can continue to take creative risks, support artists at every stage of their careers, and share Australian contemporary dance with the widest possible audience.
This moment also comes at a time of important transition. After nearly two decades of extraordinary leadership, Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela will conclude his tenure in 2028. His focus is firmly on the future - ensuring the Company he has shaped is strong, sustainable and ready for its next chapter. The Next Steps reflects that commitment and belongs to all of us who believe in what this Company stands for.
This is a rare opportunity to make a leadership investment in the future of one of Australia’s most significant cultural organisations at a pivotal moment in its history. Please take this next step with us.
Photo by Wendell Teodoro
This is a leadership moment and everyone can play a role
By contributing to this campaign, you become part of something that extends well beyond the stage - building the long-term financial foundations that allow Sydney Dance Company to lead without compromise for the next 40 years and beyond.
There are many ways to make your commitment a reality:
• A single gift to the campaign
• A pledge fulfilled over multiple years
• A matching gift arranged through your Private Ancillary Fund or workplace
A commitment to this campaign is intended to sit alongside your existing annual giving - as an additional contribution rather than a replacement for your current support. If that is not achievable at this time, we would warmly encourage you to continue your current contribution to the Company - every gift matters.
As a leadership donor, your support will be recognised and celebrated. Your commitment will be acknowledged in campaign publications and in the Wharf’s public spaces for the next 40 years -a permanent testament to this defining moment in Sydney Dance Company’s history.
To explore how you might realise your support, Director of Philanthropy & Partnerships Fiona Crockett would be delighted to meet with you at your convenience.
Fiona Crockett
Director, Philanthropy & Partnerships +61 409 594 344 fionac@sydneydancecompany.com
h Photo by Daniel Boud
h Photo by Pedro Greig
Terms and Conditions
Your contribution to 40 Years at the Wharf: The Next Steps continues a powerful legacy of championing the people who make Sydney Dance Company extraordinary - the dancers, choreographers, teachers and creatives who have called the Wharf home for 40 years. It enables us to invest deeply in their futures and bring bold new ideas to life on stages across Australia for generations to come.
You can donate via EFT using the bank details below, or scan the QR code to make a donation through our website
You can donate via EFT using the bank details below, or scan the QR code to make a donation through our website
Sydney Dance Company
Westpac Banking Corporation
Sydney Dance Company Westpac Banking Corporation BSB: 032 100 Account No.: 140445
BSB: 032 100 Account No.: 140445
Your contribution to 40 Years at the Wharf: The Next Steps continues a powerful legacy of championing the people who make Sydney Dance Company extraordinary - the dancers, choreographers, teachers and creatives who have called the Wharf home for 40 years. It enables us to invest deeply in their futures and bring bold new ideas to life on stages across Australia for generations to come. https://my.sydneydancecompany.com/donate/q/now
https://my.sydneydancecompany.com/donate/q/now
1. Campaign Overview
The Next Steps is a philanthropic campaign conducted by Sydney Dance Company (ABN 59 002 707 897). The campaign runs from early May and closes late September 2026.
2. Tax Deductibility
Sydney Dance Company is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
It is covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30 -15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. All donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible in Australia. Donors are encouraged to seek independent financial advice regarding their personal tax circumstances.
3. Gifts and Pledges
Gifts may be made as a single contribution or as a multi-year pledge. Pledge agreements will be confirmed in writing by the Sydney Dance Company Philanthropy team. Pledges are payable in accordance with the schedule agreed at the time of commitment.
4. Use of Funds
5. Privacy
Sydney Dance Company collects personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Personal information collected as part of this campaign will be used solely for the purposes of processing donations, issuing receipts, providing donor recognition and communicating campaign updates. Sydney Dance Company will not sell or share personal information with third parties without consent. Donors may request access to, deletion of or correction of their personal information by contacting the Philanthropy team.
6. Receipting
Official tax receipts will be issued for all gifts within 7 business days of received funds. Receipts will be issued in accordance with ATO requirements.
7. Contact
For all campaign enquiries, please contact: Fiona Crockett
Director, Philanthropy & Partnerships +61 409 594 344 fionac@sydneydancecompany.com
Thank you for your generous support!
Thank you for your generous support!
All gifts to The Next Steps will be directed toward the long-term sustainability, artistic programs, touring, and artist development of Sydney Dance Company, in accordance with the four campaign pillars outlined in this prospectus. Sydney Dance Company reserves the right to allocate funds across these pillars as operational needs require.
h Photo by Pedro Greig