 |
Information
on a library that no longer exists
and on
the information it
once held. |
The Sydney
Opera House Trust established the Dennis Wolanski Library of the Performing
Arts library in 1973.
The library’s role was to facilitate management, production and appreciation of
the performing arts through the provision of library and archival services to
Sydney Opera House management and staff, the entertainment industry, students
and other users.
To supplement
funding by the Trust, the library was supported by sponsorship
funds of $575,000, provided by the Wolanski family and other sponsors, and by
revenue from services, products and projects. The Library generated over
$600,000 in gross revenue between 1988 and 1997.
Library staff
played significant roles in the development of corporate information systems,
records management programs, multimedia projects and art collection management
at the Sydney Opera House. A major initiative was the development of concepts
and plans for the high-tech performing arts museum TheatreWorks,
leading to significant changes in the scope and direction of the library.
In 1996 the
Trust closed the library and transferred
its collections to other organisations in New South Wales and interstate.
In 2011 the Wolanski
Foundation renewed
its relationship with the Sydney Opera House Trust by providing funds to
support a number of activities relating to the history of the House.
Articles relating to
archiving the Sydney Opera House, the history of the
library and a reflection on the causes and consequences of its dispersal, will
be published on the site in the near future.
