Qld Ballet to expand its home
The Queensland Ballet has expanded so much in recent years that has grown out of its home. The number of dancers has grown from 25 dancers in 2012 to 51 in 2018 “with the aim of reaching 60 dancers by 2020”, says executive eirector Dilshani Weerasinghe. “ . . . the Company’s programs and activities are now constrained by the size and quality of the current facilities at the Thomas Dixon Centre”.
As a result, a new state-of-the-art performing arts facility in West End is being planned, and the public is being invited to give feedback and submissions.
“This is a huge milestone for us as a Company as we build on our strong foundations as Queensland’s state ballet company and develop as a world-class arts organisation,” artistic director Li Cunxin says. “We’re thrilled to be moving into this next phase and sharing the plans for our future with the general public and inviting feedback on the design for our new home.”
The Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s West End has been home to Queensland Ballet since 1991 and has nurtured many talented, dedicated artists and different arts organisations. After a period of remarkable growth under the artistic directorship of Li Cunxin the company now needs larger and more advanced facilities to progress its artistic and business vision.
This phase of the redevelopment will see the proposed plans for the Thomas Dixon Centre, conceived by leading architects, Conrad Gargett, released publicly for feedback and submissions. This release will also include the draft Environmental Assessment Report being made public.
Li is inviting all interested parties to view the plans and Environmental Assessment Report and provide feedback.
“Those wishing to view these exciting plans can do so by visiting our website and following the links to the public feedback site. We will also have a visual display of the plans in our reception area that will be accessible during business hours,” he says.
“I do believe this redevelopment will be transformational for us as a Company and see it as a legacy project for the whole arts industry in Queensland.”
To view the plans and Environmental Assessment Report visit here.