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Brisbane Airport has long been a committed partner to the Arts and culture scene in Brisbane, and 2025 will mark some exciting...
Brisbane Airport has been a key supporter of Australasian Dance Collective (ADC) for almost a decade, enriching Brisbane’s cultural landscape and helping this leading contemporary dance company thrive.
Based in Brisbane, ADC creates bold productions that aim to push boundaries and inspire audiences through their passion and creative risk-taking. Additionally, they have a strong commitment to the community, offering programs that bring dance to people of all ages and abilities.
Established in 1984, ADC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. Amy Hollingsworth, Artistic Director and CEO, proudly shared the company’s long history of creative achievements.
“Over the past 40 years, we’ve created more than 180 works by 80 national and international choreographers. We’ve received numerous awards for both our productions and the exceptional talent of our ensemble of dancers.”
“I’ve been with ADC for six years, and it’s an incredible privilege to be the custodian of such an extraordinary company,” Amy explained.
One of the most significant elements of ADC’s growth has been the steady support from Brisbane Airport, which has allowed the company to plan for the future with confidence. “The partnership with Brisbane Airport is enduring,” Amy said. “Their commitment to the Arts in Brisbane is something I deeply respect and value. It’s rare to have such a long-standing, all-encompassing partnership, and it enables us to continue creating, innovating, and pushing boundaries.”
At the heart of ADC’s mission is not just the creation of exceptional mainstage performances but also making dance accessible to the community through their intergenerational programs. One example of this is the Mature Program, which has been made possible through Brisbane Airport’s support. This program offers classes and weekend intensives for older adults, encouraging people to connect with dance and creativity, and joyously move their bodies in new ways. “It’s one of the programs we’re extremely proud of,” Amy shared.
“We want to offer opportunities to support a vibrant and expressive lifestyle through dance, and this program is one way we’re doing that.”
Similarly, ADC offers youth programs, including school workshops and a Youth Ensemble, which are another vital part of the company’s community focus. Amy explained how ADC give young people opportunities to develop as artists. “We work with students in schools, particularly secondary schools, and we have a Youth Ensemble made up of young dancers aged 14 to 19,” she said. “These young artists work with us for three terms a year, honing their skills and performing works created for them by Australian choreographers.”
ADC also offers First Collective Residencies supporting established and emerging First Nations choreographers and dancers, in partnership with BlakDance.
As ADC prepares for its milestone 40th-anniversary celebrations, Amy is excited about the future. “We’re hosting an alumni event, bringing together nearly every dancer who has performed with the company over the past 40 years. In 2025, we will present Relic - a new immersive experience at Urban Art Projects and Blue - our 40th anniversary season, which will honour the legacy of the company while also celebrating the future.”
Relic and Blue promise to be highlights of Brisbane’s cultural calendar, and Amy encourages the community to get involved by attending performances.
Looking ahead, ADC is excited about continuing its collaboration with Brisbane Airport as they explore new artistic possibilities and deepen their connection with the local community.
“Brisbane Airport’s support is all-encompassing and allows us to dream bigger and deliver programs that truly engage and inspire people, from our mainstage productions to community initiatives like our mature and youth programs. Their partnership helps us bring dance to a wider audience and create something extraordinary for Brisbane.”
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