Audi Centre Doncaster Audi News

Dec 31, 2009

• Principal sponsor of Sydney Theatre Company STC, Audi, extends sponsorship commitment
• Artistic Directors, Blanchett and Upton, renew contract for a second term

Audi Australia Pty Ltd will extend its contract with Sydney Theatre Company until the end of 2012, remaining as Principal Sponsor, following an announcement today.

Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett, now two thirds into their first term, have extended their initial three-year contracts at Sydney Theatre Company by a further three years. The Board of Sydney Theatre Company has confirmed that they will continue as Artistic Directors through to the end of 2013.

Chairman of STC, Ian Darling welcomed the news saying: “The Board is delighted that Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett will continue to lead the Company with a second term as Artistic Directors. In their first two years they’ve transformed the Company and the way many people feel about it. I’m pleased they will stay to build on what they have already achieved in terms of quality and diversity of productions, artform development and education.”

Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett said: “It is a really great privilege to lead Sydney Theatre Company. We hope more and more people, especially those in Sydney, will find their way to the Company and join us on this incredible ride.”

Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett took up their positions as Artistic Directors in January 2008, caretaking that year’s Main Stage season, with their own first full program on stages throughout 2009.

As Principal Sponsor, Audi Australia, has also extended its current term as the major partner of the Company through to late in 2012.

This means a five-year commitment (2008 – 2012) by Audi to Sydney Theatre Company, reflecting the company’s strong support of the arts worldwide.

“We’re extremely pleased to continue our partnership with Sydney Theatre Company as Principal Sponsor”, said Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.

“Following on from a very successful relationship that began in 2006, an additional two years will see Audi and STC forge an even stronger bond between our great brands. Our goal is to ensure that the sheer progressiveness of both Audi and STC is highlighted by the sponsorship.”

Hofmann added: “We believe that it’s incredibly important to give back to the community that supports us through our cultural sponsoring program, and with five years of record growth under our belts, we remain committed to bringing progressive performance to the stage with STC, and in turn, to the Australian community.”

Ian Darling, Chairman, expressed his gratitude, saying: “Audi’s vital financial support enables the Company to mount its very ambitious program with a measure of security. We are deeply appreciative of the continuing commitment and I hope Audi’s example encourages other businesses to create more - or to deepen existing - relationships with the arts.”

Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett echoed this, saying; “Theatre involves bold expression on a daily basis and Audi has played a crucial part in turning ambition into reality at Sydney Theatre Company. We are particularly grateful to Joerg Hofmann, a terrific ambassador for his company’s global commitment to supporting the arts.”

Audi became Principal Sponsor of the Company in late 2007, having previously been the sole and founding sponsor of the STC Actors Company in 2006.

For further information regarding STC, please contact Tim McKeough (02) 9250 1703 tmckeough@sydneytheatre.com.au or Wesley Slattery (02) 9250 1705 wslattery@sydneytheatre.com.au

For information regarding Audi Australia: Anna Burgdorf (02) 9695 6250 Anna_burgdorf@audi.com.au or Nadine Giusti (02) 9695 6251, nadine.giusti@audi.com.au.