Sydney Eisteddfod, one of the largest performing arts festivals in Australia and New Zealand, is set to welcome young artists back to the stage for the first time since 2020.

Due to COVID-19, the Sydney Eisteddfod was forced to cancel over 300 events, affecting 35,000 members, in a difficult year for the performing arts industry. But the organization is now committed to helping performers re-engage in the arts and for this purpose, registrations for the 2021 festival are now open through March 12, 2021.

Applicants will get a chance to win over $400,000 worth of prizes in a number of events across dance, drama, music, and song that are set to set to take place from May through October 2021.

“Research suggests that engagement in performing arts can help children develop greater academic competency, improves cognitive and emotional skills like the ability to persevere, harness self-discipline and cooperation which are hugely important in personal life as well as in the workplace. Importantly, performance also cultivates a greater sense of belonging within a community. This has never been more critical than in a post-pandemic world,” said Peter Wright, Associate Professor of Arts Education and Research Methods at Murdoch University, in a press release. “The return of Sydney Eisteddfod is a welcome opportunity for children to contribute to society’s culture and acquire skills that can help them learn, grow and belong.”