“Like all the best dance institutions, The Australian Ballet makes brave choices.”
The Observer, London 2008

The Australian Ballet
50^th Anniversary Ballet Project

The Australian Ballet celebrates and honours classical ballet in all its forms, and recognises that it is through continual exploration and development that the art form will survive into the future. The 50^th Anniversary Ballet Project honours this commitment.

Since its inception in 1962, The Australian Ballet has commissioned over 140 new works. These commissions embrace not only choreographers, but include visual artists, designers, composers and allied artists. Each creative project carries some degree of artistic and financial risk. However, the company’s commitment to dynamic and innovative programming remains a key goal.

The 50^th Anniversary Ballet Project encourages an artistic team with a unique artistic vision, be they professionals or novices, to submit their ideas for a brand-new ballet work. The competition is to create a totally original work–narrative or abstract – comprising synopsis, choreography, music and design concepts.

The winning entry will receive A$30,000 and will have their work considered for staging by The Australian Ballet in 2015. The Australian Ballet Society (Victoria) has generously donated the substantial prize.

Entries will be judged by a panel of leaders in the arts community with special areas of expertise.

Hugh Colman, designer
Nicolette Fraillon, Music Director and Chief Conductor, The Australian Ballet
David McAllister, Artistic Director, The Australian Ballet
Patrick McIntyre, General Manager, Sydney Theatre Company
Richard Mills, composer
Graeme Murphy, choreographer

Note: Judging panel subject to change due to any unavoidable cause

Entries close 5pm (AEST) 31 August 2012.
Winning entry will be announced after 9pm (AEST) on 2 November 2012.
For complete details please download Terms and Conditions (PDF)
Enquiries 50thproject@australianballet.com.au