Griffith University and Queensland Ballet Partnership

Griffith University has partnered with Queensland Ballet to deliver excellence in education and the arts, providing students with invaluable opportunities and making a positive impact in the community. Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin AO says the three-year partnership made perfect sense given the values of the two organisations were already so closely aligned.

“Queensland Ballet and Griffith University share a lot of common values and vision together. It is very exciting for the two organisations to come together to deliver excellence and make an impact on our society,” Li Cunxin says.

Research collaborations, training initiatives and a host of student opportunities are at the centre of the Queensland Ballet partnership. “We are looking forward to delivering evidence-based research in partnership with the University,” Li Cunxin says.

One of these collaborations is Ballet for Brain Injury, a program launched by Queensland Ballet supported by Griffith University researchers. The first of its kind, the program is developing a new evidence-informed approach to engaging people living with brain injuries.

Griffith University academics are also collaborating with Queensland Ballet on a range of health, education and research programs and are rolling out a suite of micro-credentials to upskill Queensland Ballet dancers and staff.

“It is an incredible step forward to systematically include arts and cultural activities such as this in community rehabilitation and care,” Griffith University Associate Professor Naomi Sunderland says.

The partnership also features an internship program which Li Cunxin says is enriching to both Griffith University students and Queensland Ballet.

“Internship students from the University not only learn from us but we’re also learning from their fresh ideas and experience,” he says.

The internships will offer business and creative arts students, such as Queensland College of Art and Design student Caitlin Fraser, hands-on work experience opportunities. Caitlin co-curated the Secret Lives of Costume exhibition and says “The internship has given me industry experience that really extends beyond any theoretical learning in the classroom.”

Queensland Conservatorium students feature in Queensland Ballet’s performance season with student musicians recently performing in the adventurous tale of Peter and the Wolf.

“We can deliver a profound and impactful program to the schools for education and arts,” Li Cunxin says, particularly through student internship opportunities to join education workshops in remote and regional Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art student Arabella Walker has gained invaluable insight into Queensland Ballet and the impact on rural communities. “It’s been an amazing experience to work with a large company and having the opportunity to teach rurally,” she says.

Griffith University and Queensland Ballet will continue to deliver opportunities and experiences throughout the partnership. Griffith Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law), Professor Scott Harrison says he’s “really delighted that we have spent the time developing what is going to be a very strong relationship with Queensland Ballet, in training, research, development, student opportunities and internships.

“The possibilities are literally endless.”