The Cladan Cultural Exchange Institute of Australia Patron: The Hon. John Howard M.P. Prime Minister of Australia
The Cladan Cultural Exchange Institute of Australia was founded by Claire Dan AM OBE in 1976. One of the Institute's first achievements was the tablishment of the Sydney International Piano Competition, which helped put Australia on the musical map of the world. The Competition is held every four years, with the Sixth Competition being held in
Sydney from July 4 to July 20 1996. Sydney audiences have flocked to the competitions from the beginning. and in recent years this event has drawn increasingly large numbers from throughout Australia and
overseas as well. This illustrates that the aim of the Competition is not only to encourage
and discover new talents but to spread the enjoyment of music and the arts. As part of the award for the Competition, the Institute organizes tours for the winner and the best Australian pianist in Australasia and Europe. In 1995 Australian pianist Gidon Mead received a scholarship of S15,000 from the Institute.
In addition to the Competition this year the Institute will give a scholarship to a young Australian pianist. participating in the seminar following the competition when twenty pianists will work with four jury members. Miss Dan has an extensive theatrical background, and was a trained actress in Europe. Her love of the arts led her to found the Institute which was established to promote
cultural exchange between Australia and other countries in all fields of the arts. Already theatre companies from Yugoslavia. Greece and the Netherlands have come to Australia to present productions which are chosen for their qualities of excellence and innovation. These same groups. as well as a Melbourne Theatre company production of Einstein by Ron Elisha, have been taken on tour of the United States organized and sponsored by the Cladan Institute.
The Institute has a board of eminent Australians who are specialists in various areas of the arts and business. Chaired by Mr Robert Tobias, OAM they are: Mrs Joy Annand, The Hon. Bronwyn Bishop MP, Miss Judy Cassab, Miss Claire Dan AM OBE, Mr Neville Grace, Dr Michael Kennedy, Mr Sam Miller, Mr Phillip Rowe and Sir Bruce Williams KBE. In 1989 the Institute instigated the Cladan Awards, which isan annual presentation for
the recognition. encouragement and contribution to Sydney theatre performances To
date. awards have been given to Rachel Ward. Ruth Cracknell. Melita Jurisic. Richard Wherrett and John Carmody.
The Cladan Institute is the first private organisation established in this country to initiate and develop cultural exchange by bringing overseas art to Australia and sending our Talents overseas.
Donations to the Cladan Cultural Exchange Institute of Australia are tax-deductible.
