International Play Day, 11 June 2025

The Sydney Opera House has an ongoing and rich connection with play and its intrinsic connection to the arts and learning. From the inspiring stories on their stages, to the artists who enliven their Centre for Creativity, they are committed to equipping artists and audiences with the capacity and skills to embed play in their classrooms, creative and civic spaces, and everyday life. 

It is in this spirit that they continue their relationship with renowned educator Professor Pasi Sahlberg, and present the Sydney Opera House Play Award.

This annual Play Award (2024-2027 inclusive) will be given to a primary school with a practical idea that has made demonstrated positive impact in children’s lives through play. This idea may include, but is not limited to, new learning program, redesigned physical environment, or community partnership that has contributed to children’s opportunities to play.

In 2024, the Sydney Opera House Play Award recipient was Avonvale Primary School, Western Australia. 

The recipient of the Play Award will be announced by the Sydney Opera House on International Play Day, 11 June 2025.

The Play Award is made possible by the generous donation of Professor Pasi Sahlberg.

Play Award | Sydney Opera House

“Play is how children explore, discover, fail, succeed, socialize, and flourish. It is a fundamental element of the human condition.”