1 day ago
6
Queensland Ballet has posted a $9.456 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, according to its annual report, despite a 13 per cent increase in ticket revenue year-on-year.
By comparison, the company lost $1.57m the previous calendar year.
Executive director Dilshani Weerasinghe said it was “not an easy time in the arts” and the company had already made decisions “for a strong and sustainable future”.
Queensland Ballet lost $9.45 million in 2024.Credit: Queensland Ballet
“We’re heading towards a break-even result this year,” she said.
The company cut staff numbers by 27, including eight dancers.
Dilshani Weerasinghe.Credit: Nick Dent
Weerasinghe said although it was “a difficult year”, Queensland Ballet had stayed true to its mission to support artists.
“We are a major contributor to Queensland’s creative economy. We supported 329 artists and arts workers, spending $19 million on employee expenses and wages,” she said.
Ticket sales grew from 26,000 to 36,000 over the year for a box office total of $7,638,000.
A total 82,828 people attended shows, classes, workshops and school programs.
Perennial favourite The Nutcracker was the top-earning production, making $2,482,660, followed by Coco Chanel: The Life of a Fashion Icon, which made $1,681,840.
The company’s hard times began with the resignation of artistic director Li Cunxin in 2023 and the resignation of his replacement, Leanne Benjamin, after six months in the role.
The deaths of two major donors to the company, including Kay Van Norton Poche AO, contributed to a $5.5 million hit to philanthropic income.
Hopes that federal funding would offer parity with organisations such as the Australian Ballet have been frustrated.
Queensland Ballet received $3.2 million from the state but just $800,000 from the federal government.
Loading
Weerasinghe said it was likely more performances in future would be staged at the company’s home, the Thomas Dixon Centre in West End.
The centre recently saw the opening of Shane Delia’s fine-dining restaurant Layla and new cafe Tom’s Kitchen.
Director of finance Paula Perkins said Queensland Ballet expected an extra $400,000 in annual revenue from the restaurants.
Weerasinghe said the appointment of new artistic director Ivan Gil-Ortega had energised the company.
“Ivan’s vision is truly refreshing.” she said.
“With Li Cunxin AO now chairing our endowment, we are focused on securing a stable and sustainable financial base for the long term.”
Gil-Ortega will unveil the company’s 2026 season in October.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Most Viewed in Culture
Loading
