Murphy Family Foundation Community Studio christened

A ceremony was held at Queensland Ballet today to christen the dedicated community studio at the Thomas Dixon Centre to the Murphy Family Foundation Community Studio.

The event served as a heartfelt acknowledgement of the generous donation and support that has made this transformative space possible.

Rachael Walsh, Director of Philanthropy and Endowment, expressed her gratitude.

"The Murphy Family Foundation Community Studio represents Queensland Ballet's commitment to placing community and wellness at the heart of all we do. Proudly positioned at the entrance of our home at the Thomas Dixon Centre, it has empowered us to reach even more people, welcoming all to connect and share the joy of dance. We are deeply grateful for the Murphy Family Foundation's vision and support, which will leave a lasting legacy in Queensland Ballet.

“Philanthropy is a driving force behind positive change in the arts and the community at large and the Murphy Family Foundation gift has been transformative to Queensland Ballet, allowing it to create a space where the arts and wellness converge to promote health, happiness, and a shared sense of belonging,” she said.

The Murphy Family Foundation's generous contribution has also enabled Queensland Ballet to expand its community programs, offering a diverse range of classes and opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.

The studio's impact on the community is tangible, with a multitude of programs now thriving within its walls.

"The Murphy Family Foundation Community Studio is not just a physical space but a pathway to hope and possibility. It is where dance meets health and well-being, and where community connections are forged. From our Ballet for Seniors classes to the Dance Moves program, we are touching the lives of hundreds of individuals across Queensland, enhancing their well-being through the art of dance,” said Zara Gomes, Director of Health and Community.

Robin Murphy OAM, on behalf of the Murphy Family Foundation, expressed the foundation's commitment to the arts and community.

“My children Jane, Adrian, Rory, Dan and Kelly who are all here today, are now carrying on the philanthropic work of the Murphy Family Foundation and we salute Queensland Ballet and are delighted to have been able to help,” he said.

"My family and I have had a long and happy association with Queensland Ballet going back for decades. I was lucky enough to serve on the Queensland Ballet Board for 14 years through the late nineties and early 2000s, and prior to that my daughter Jane worked for the Company for eight years. My youngest daughter Kelly has even danced as a junior dancer in the Company! My wife Margaret was a wonderful musician and pianist, so our family grew up listening to her playing music and singing. Margaret was also a tireless volunteer pianist for over 30 years playing and singing at the Inala Community Centre and also at nursing homes, so she knew first-hand the transformative power of music and dance and singing. I think Margaret would be thrilled to see this beautiful dance studio that is for our community here in Brisbane.

Head of Community Engagement, Lily Spencer said the Murphy Family Foundation Community Studio is now home to 36 weekly classes, which attracts around 540 participants a week, which is the equivalent of over 28,000 visits a year.

“Having a dedicated Community Studio has opened the opportunity for us to run meaningful programs all throughout the day and expand our programming during the evenings and weekends. Without this facility we would not have been able to run our Dance Moves program this year in partnership with Arthritis Queensland, where we deliver 12 weekly online classes for people living with Arthritis all across Queensland. The location of the studio also provides us with an accessible space that we can use for our Dance for Health classes which is so important when welcoming them into our space.

“We also hold back-to-back lunch time classes during the week in the studio, which is a wonderful and convenient way for the community and staff to stay active during their day at work,” she said.

The Murphy Family Foundation's generosity has enabled Queensland Ballet to enrich the lives of many more individuals, fostering a deeper connection between art, culture, and community.