Li Cunxin honoured with Keys to the City
The Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Director Li Cunxin is to be honoured with the Keys to the City of Brisbane in recognition of his outstanding contribution.
Cunxin recently announced he will retire from his position at the end of the year, along with his wife and artistic associate Mary Li.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Li had left an indelible mark on Brisbane’s arts scene and his achievements would be celebrated at a ceremony later this month.
Li will be the 55th recipient of the keys, and as a classical artist will be a rarity alongside a list that includes mostly sportspeople or teams, such as The Matildas (honoured this year). However, Dame Joan Sutherland was the second recipient, in 1982. Music bands the Bee Gees (1989), Savage Garden (1998) and Powder Finger (2003) received the keys in 1989, 1998 and 2003 respectively.
“Li has extended the dignity, grace and elegance of ballet into every aspect of his life,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said. “Like me, I’m sure many people were saddened to hear of Li’s retirement after 11 years at the helm of Queensland Ballet.
“On behalf of Brisbane, I feel it’s appropriate to acknowledge the talent, passion and vision that has enriched our creative scene and inspired generations of dancers. As the curtain closes on this chapter of his life, I thank Li for a lifetime of artistic excellence. It has been a true privilege to watch.”
The Keys to the City are awarded to acknowledge the achievement or contribution of an individual or organisation in furthering the ideals of the city.
Dating back to medieval times when cities were enclosed by walls, the symbolic gesture can be performed to recognise "outstanding achievement in sport, community, or humanitarian work" by a Brisbane resident at an international or national level.
Li Cunxin thanked Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner for honouring him with the title of the 55th recipient of the Keys to the City.
“I have devoted so much of my life to Brisbane and Australia’s arts scene and it’s truly special to have this recognised with this incredible honour. I am truly grateful. It’s a job that brought me decades of joy and fulfilment, and the last 11 years at Queensland Ballet represents one of the most rewarding chapters of my life," he said.