Griffith University has entered a new three-year partnership with Queensland Ballet.
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans announced the partnership at the University’s in conversation series, A Better Future for All, featuring Queensland Ballet Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO, and Mary Li.
The centrepiece of the partnership will be a host of internship opportunities, research collaborations and training initiatives.
Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law) Professor Scott Harrison said it would provide invaluable opportunities for students and make a positive impact on the community.
“Griffith University is proud to partner with Queensland Ballet,” he said.
“At Griffith, our world-class creative arts programs are training the next generation of performers.
“This partnership will provide our students and researchers with world-class opportunities and make the creative arts accessible to audiences across Queensland.”
“Queensland Ballet shares our commitment to using the arts to transform lives and create a better future for all.”
Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO said the three-year partnership made perfect sense given the values of the two organisations were already so closely aligned.
“Both Queensland Ballet and Griffith University believe in the magic of the arts, and the jobs that can be created in delivering that to the community.
“We have already been working with Griffith University on a number of projects. This partnership with furthers our commitment to improving lives of the community through the arts,” Mr Li said.
“Queensland Ballet and Griffith University will work together on delivering excellence in education and the arts.”
The internships will offer business and creative arts students hands-on work experience opportunities, while Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University students will feature in Queensland Ballet’s performance season and join education workshops in remote and regional Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Griffith University academics will also collaborate with Queensland Ballet on a range of health, education and research programs and roll out a suite of micro-credentials to upskill Queensland Ballet dancers and staff.
Griffith University’s renowned Motivating Action Through Empowerment (MATE) Bystander program will offer training to all Queensland Ballet staff.
The education and intervention project helps challenge problematic behaviour around domestic violence, including coercive control.
Queensland Ballet and Griffith University have previously collaborated on a range of projects, including a ballet program designed for people living with a brain injury developed in partnership with The Hopkins Centre and Creative Arts Research Institute (CARI) at Griffith University.