Balancing Artistic Ambition and Financial Sustainability
The Australian Ballet
The Australian Ballet released its 2024 Annual Report.
The year marked the first of what is expected to be three challenging years, driven in part by the closure of the State Theatre in Victoria. Revenue fell by $7.8 million to $37.2 million. While the Company’s commitment to artistic excellence remained unwavering, it resulted in a loss of over $21 million from operations after grant income. Thanks to vital support from generous philanthropic contributions and investment earnings, the net loss was reduced to $9.1 million. We are also grateful to our loyal subscribers who continue to support our performances annually.
On stage, the 2024 season delivered a rich and diverse repertoire, including Christopher Wheeldon’s fantastical Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland® , Johan Inger’s explosive Carmen in Sydney, and a double-bill featuring Harald Lander’s masterpiece Études and Circle Electric – a world-premiere from Resident Choreographer, Stephanie Lake. Adelaide audiences were treated to George Balanchine’s glittering Jewels.
The year’s artistic centrepiece was the world-premiere of Oscar® , a full-length ballet by Christopher Wheeldon commissioned exclusively for The Australian Ballet. The 2024 season closed on a festive high with sold-out performances of The Nutcracker, delighting audiences at the Sydney Opera House.
The Australian Ballet Artistic Director David Hallberg said: “2024 was a year of creative recalibration and I’m incredibly proud of how the Company embraced the changing environment with courage and imagination. From world premieres to new voices and bold reinterpretations, we made work that challenged our artists and inspired our audiences.”
“As we look to the future, I’m excited to lead this next chapter alongside our new Executive Director, Claire Spencer. My heartfelt thanks go to our extraordinary artists, staff and our extended Ballet family – our audiences, donors, partners and supporters, whose belief in us sustains and strengthens the Company,” Hallberg added.
Chair of The Australian Ballet, Dr Richard Dammery, said: “The Australian Ballet is one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions. The work which the Company creates is recognised and admired around the world, and for over 60 years, it has delighted audiences across Australia – from the mainstage to regional centres and beyond.”
“But the Company’s standing, and its artistic achievement, cannot be taken for granted. The Board will continue to exercise prudent oversight, balancing artistic ambition with financial discipline,” continued Dammery.
Beyond mainstage, the opportunity to connect meaningfully with the art form remains a critical part of The Australian Ballet’s offering and role in Australia’s art and cultural industry. More than 14,000 students took part in 660 workshops nationwide, 412 teachers and community leaders engaged in professional development, and 495 adult ballet classes and youth masterclasses drew 12,388 attendances. The Company also brought ballet magic to families around Australia with its enchanting Storytime Ballet season.
The Company extended its reach globally, with 6,533 households tuning into the Livestream performances of Oscar© and The Nutcracker, reaching audiences including the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan.
Looking ahead, as Australia’s national ballet company, The Australian Ballet remains committed to boldness and innovation, with a responsibility to create transformative works that reflect and shape a distinctly Australian cultural identity.
The Australian Ballet’s 2024 Annual Report is available to download via: https://australianballet.com.au/annualreport
