Dinner in support of the Arts

Good evening, all.
I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, whose ancient cultural traditions continue to enrich and inspire us, and I also pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

Graeme and I are so pleased you could join us at Government House this evening, because it is no secret that we are both passionate supporters of the arts – as, of course, are all of you! This dinner brings together those who contribute to, and those who support our state and country’s incredible, diverse creative industry.

As Governor, I am so proud to be Patron of both the Queensland Ballet and Queensland Theatre, whose productions earn tremendous admiration on the world stage for their quality and originality. 

More generally, I am truly in awe of the exceptional talent we have in this State, which filters through every aspect of the artistic development process, and results in stage and screen creations that bring interest and enjoyment to audiences far and wide.

There is no doubt that the work being done here is outstanding, and this is encouraged, in no small way, by a deep industry-wide commitment to excellence and innovation, which has seen local productions receive well-deserved attention at home and internationally.

We have so much to offer—and as the appetite for live performances and screen content continues to grow, I am delighted that skilled and accomplished professionals in our state are being given more opportunities to demonstrate their amazing capabilities, and that we have the generosity of sponsors to ensure the “shows can go on”.

I see the arts as “a global language” uniting us, informing us, and enhancing our lives.

Recently, Graeme and I travelled to China, and were fortunate to visit the training facility of the brilliant Shanghai Ballet, a sister company to Queensland Ballet. Later this year, the Queensland Ballet will present Derek Deane’s spectacular The Lady of the Camellia’s featuring the Shanghai Ballet on the Lyric Theatre stage.

These sorts of connections weave together the arts industry across the world, not just in terms of providing inspiration, but in building the beneficial, collaborative relationships required to strengthen and develop it.

I know that the immensely collaborative and supportive nature of our arts scene helps to encourage the excellence I mentioned, but also develop the enduring friendships and creative partnerships that generate remarkable originality.

Thank you for supporting each other, and for contributing so magnificently to ensuring Queensland’s ongoing creative success.