The Australian National Eisteddfod was established in 1954 as a not-for-profit community organisation incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act of the ACT (Certificate A10). It is registered as a charity and as a deductible gift recipient under the Australian Federal Income Tax Assessment Act (ABN 32 452 693 087).
The Eisteddfod was preceded by the Canberra Eisteddfod Society, which was established in 1937 and held annual eisteddfods until 1941, when it went into recess because of the Second World War.
The Patron of the Eisteddfod is Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
The Vice-Patrons are Professor Adrian Walter AM, Head, School of Music, Australian National University and Dr Larry Sitsky AM, Emeritus Professor, Australian National University.
There are a number of categories of member of the society, including ordinary, life, community and corporate members.
The Eisteddfod is a collegiate organisation, drawing upon the contributions of many members of the wider community, including sponsors, artistic advisers, convenors, volunteers and members of the committee.
The Eisteddfod is fortunate in receiving wide and generous support from individual and corporate sponsors and from the ACT government. Without their generosity and encouragement it would not be able to continue in its present form. See the Sponsors page for further details.
There are at present six competitions, in Bands & Orchestras, Choirs, Instrumental and Contemporary Music, Piano, Singing and Speech and Drama. Each of these has an eminent Artistic Adviser, who advises on artistic standards generally, including the content of the syllabuses and selection of adjudicators. The competitions are organised by teams of volunteer convenors. The convenors make practical arrangements for the competitions, including developing and managing budgets.
An Executive Committee is elected annually by the Members, with responsibility for overall policy and strategic management of the Eisteddfod as a whole. It comprises a President, one or two Vice-Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer and a number of other members. The current office-holders are detailed on the About Us pages of the website.
Room 14a, Ainslie Arts Centre
cnr Donaldson & Elouera Streets
Braddon ACT 2612
Telelephone and facsimile: (02) 6249 7421
PO Box 94
Civic Square ACT 2608
email: eisteddfod@nationaleisteddfod.org.au
The office is managed by a part staff member.