Ballet School Faces Risk of Closure Due to Funding Challenges

The Queensland Ballet’s training academy may face closure by the end of 2024 due to insufficient funding, as stated by its chief executive.

In April, the organization reached out to federal arts minister Tony Burke for additional financial support. The executive director, Dilshani Weerasinghe, expressed concerns about the academy’s students and families being unaware of the impending crisis.

“We have been working tirelessly to sustain our operations, but the current funding model is unsustainable. Families and students may not fully grasp the severity of the situation,” she told AAP.

While receiving some financial aid from Creative Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the company’s operating expenses rely heavily on box office revenues, philanthropic contributions, corporate sponsorships, and support from the Queensland government.

During a senate estimates hearing, Queensland Nationals senator Matt Canavan highlighted the financial disparity between Queensland Ballet and the Australian Ballet, with the former receiving significantly less annual funding.

Queensland Ballet is currently in talks with Creative Australia to address funding concerns, as confirmed by CEO Adrian Collette.

Despite its growth and achievements, the Queensland Ballet Academy lacks federal funding like other elite national arts training institutions in NSW and Victoria. This disparity is a point of contention for Queensland Ballet’s leadership.

Former artistic director Li Cunxin, instrumental in the company’s success and expansion, emphasized the urgent need for funding before his retirement in 2023. He pointed out how the lack of federal support had impacted his health and hindered the organization’s progress.

The Queensland government has yet to provide a statement on the matter.