This polyester banner promoted the 'Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival', a cultural program of around 400 events held in Sydney from 18 August to 1 October 2000. This was the last of four festivals to celebrate the arts and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The banner, which was made by Selby's Flags & Banners in Sydney, appeared at one of many venues that hosted the events.

Adelaide artist, Adrian Adams, developed the banner design in 1997 when he completed all creative work for the four Olympics arts festivals. This particular design represents a human form silhouetted against an orange background with white lines twisting and converging across the design surface. White text refers to the city of Sydney, the Sydney 2000 Olympics, and the key sponsor, the 'Sydney Morning Herald'.

From early 1997 to late 2000, the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games hosted four successive programs that promoted the Australian arts and the Olympic Games. 'Festival of the Dreaming' (15 September to 5 October 1997) celebrated Indigenous arts and artists; 'A Sea Change' (30 April 1998 to January 1999) reflected Australia's social, cultural and geographical landscapes; 'Reaching the World' (December 1998 to January 2000) exhibited Australian arts around the world; and the 'Sydney 2000 Olympic Arts Festival' (18 August to 1 October 2000) invited Australian artists to celebrate the life of Sydney.

Under the artistic direction of Leo Schofield, the Sydney 2000 Olympics Arts Festival combined performances in music, opera, visual arts, theatre, film and dance. These events were held at venues across Sydney with a focus on the Sydney Opera House and its forecourt. Newly commissioned works meshed with the well-known to reflect the cultural fusion in Sydney during the Games. The end of the festival on 30 October coincided with the close of the Olympic Games.

Adelaide artist, Adrian Adams, developed the banner design in 1997 when he completed all creative work for the four Olympics arts festivals.

The polyester banner was made by the Sydney company, Selby's P.L Flags, Banners, Flag Poles, Marquees, for use at the Sydney Arts Festival.

The banner was used to promote the Sydney Arts Festival from 18 August to 1 October 2000. It appeared at one of the many venues that hosted this cultural program.

Made for and owned by the Olympic Coordination Authority/Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, and donated to the Powerhouse Museum after the Games.

Banner, Olympic Arts Festival, polyester, made by Selby's Flags and Banners for SOCOG, Festival logo designed by Adrian Adams, Adelaide, 1997, used at the Olympic Arts Festival 18 August to 1 October 2000

Banner, Olympic Arts Festival, polyester, rectangular, orange with purple figure holding a net. White text "Olympic / Arts / Festival / Sydney 2000 [Olympic rings] / City of Sydney / [image of anchor] / Presenting / Partners / The Sydney Morning Herald". A pole goes through 4 loops at the top of the banner and another pole is at the base through an open hem. A white cotton loop/hook on the base of the banner. Label "Selby's P.L / Flags, Banners, Flag Poles, Marquees / 1800241066 / Melb. Sydney Brisbane Adelaide"

Made: 1997

2001/84/373

1997

955 mm