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RACING NSW
The promotion of "The Everest" is scheduled to take place on Tuesday
A project to announce a horse race on the sails of the Sydney Opera House caused a big reaction in Australia.
The World Heritage Site will display the advertisement on Tuesday after an order from the New South Wales Prime Minister.
Critics say the decision defies the rules of the Sydney Opera House by effectively creating a "billboard" for the racing and gambling industries.
But others, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, have championed it as a positive factor for the economy and tourism.
Since Friday, more than 150,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the "protection" of opera.
The Sydney Opera House, inaugurated in 1973, is recognized by the UN as a "masterpiece of twentieth-century architecture." It was declared World Heritage Site of Unesco in 2007.
What caused the controversy?
Last week, the Sydney Opera Board rejected the announcement of the Everest Cup, saying it was "inappropriate" marketing.
"We have a policy that protects our World Heritage status," Louise Herron, Executive Director, told Radio 2GB on Friday.
Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian, however, overturned the decision, approving a new advertisement for a 10-minute screening.
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The building is internationally renowned for its design
The modified drawing retains the word "Everest" and the jockey numbers – items that had been classified by opera as commercial logos.
Adding to the controversy, Ms. Berejiklian's order comes shortly after a prominent radio host, Alan Jones, reprimanded Ms. Herron in a 2GB interview.
"If I were Gladys Berejiklian, I would pick up the phone and knock you out today," said Jones, a supporter of the race.
What was the reaction?
A spokesman for Unesco told the Guardian that he was "investigating" the issue, but that he would not comment immediately.
Thousands of people said on social media that they would participate in a demonstration "in the light" on Tuesday to disrupt the screening.
Among prominent critics, Lord Mayor of Sydney Lord Clover Moore described the advertisement as "blatant commercialization … for an industry known for its harmful effects on gambling and cruelty to animals."
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However, Ms. Berejiklian and Mr. Morrison defended the economic benefits of the race.
"This is one of the biggest events of the year … why not post it on Sydney's biggest billboard?" Mr Morrison said Sunday.
Others accused Jones of intimidating Ms. Herron, while the Sydney Morning Herald announced that Ms. Berejiklian had offered her, as well as "the racing industry," a massive victory in public relations and promotion ".
Has the opera already been enlightened?
The sails of the building are often illuminated for artistic and cultural events, as for example for Vivid Sydney, an annual festival of light.
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The Sydney Opera presenting native art works earlier this year
She also wore the national rugby team logo in 2015 and the cricket urn after the Australian series win earlier this year.
