Lady Potter receives special tribute

The Ian Potter Foundation is proud to support The Australian Ballet's future plans with the announcement of an $8 million grant to help them to build an environment that will allow the Company to flourish.  This major grant reflects the Foundation's strong belief in, and commitment to, supporting our country's major artistic institutions and their importance to our culture.  Sir Ian Potter himself was closely involved in the establishment of The Australian Ballet in 1962 and the two organisations still share a desire to promote excellence and innovation, together with a strong respect for tradition. The Foundation is therefore very pleased to commit this funding to assist The Australian Ballet to ensure that the next stage of its journey is even more successful and exciting than those before it.

The grant is made up of two parts, a       $4 million grant to be paid over five years towards the refurbishment and upgrade of The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre and to further the Ballet's education and outreach programs, plus a further matching grant to be paid against funds raised by the Company on a dollar for dollar basis up to $4 million.

The renaming of the Company's headquarters in Melbourne to The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre is a tribute to the extraordinary work that Lady Potter has contributed over a 35 year personal association with the Company, and the part she has played in helping to make The Australian Ballet the success it is.

In a speech at the announcement, Governor of The Ian Potter Foundation, Mr John Gough said, "Lady Potter is in many ways, part of the Company's history and with the naming of this Centre, her association will now endure in the future.  The Governors and Staff of The Ian Potter Foundation congratulate Lady Potter on this recognition and thank The Australian Ballet for such a poignant acknowledgement of her contribution."

Click here to read the press release from The Australian Ballet.