Audi in Australia has announced its sponsorship of the 1998 season of tile Sydney Dance Company, one of Australia's best-known performance groups.

Audi, along with Novell software, will be the Sydney Dance Company's principal sponsor for its upcoming season, which includes the eagerly awaited new work by Graeme Murphy, "Salome".

Audi's managing director, Matthias Seidl, said the company was pleased to be involved with the Sydney Dance Company, an essential part of Australia's burgeoning cultural community.

"Like Audi, Sydney Dance Company is innovative and is a leader in its field. Audi is excited to enter into this partnership to broaden the company's profile among all open-minded, creative audience not afraid to challenge conventions," Mr Seidl said.

1998 represents the first of the Sydney Dance Company's three year business plan which involves regular national and international touring and the presentation of one new work per year.

The major work for 1998, "Salome", will premiere in Melbourne in April with Audi as a principal sponsor. Seasons will follow in Sydney in May, with Brisbane performances in June.

"The Sydney Dance Company has come to the end of 1997 on a tremendous creative high. The financial stability which tile Support of Audi gives LIS means that our energy can be entirely focused on creative daring. The proper place for risk is on stage," said Mr Graeme Murphy, artistic director for the Sydney Dance Company.

Audi in Australia will have the option to renew its corporate support of the Sydney Dance Company for the 1999 and 2000 Seasons.