Cate Blanchett, Bernardine Evaristo among leading cultural figures named Ambassadors to largest-ever cultural exchange between Australia and UK
In these uncertain times where international travel is not possible and we cannot be together in person, the QUT Centre for Child and Family Studies have found an innovative way to connect with their colleagues at the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom.
Leading cultural figures including Cate Blanchett, Darcey Bussell, Rudi Dharmalingam, Bernardine Evaristo, Barry Humphries and Gaye Sculthorpe were announced today as Ambassadors for the UK/Australia Season 2021-22, the largest ever cultural exchange between the two nations.
The UK/Australia Season 2021-22 is a collaboration between the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen. The programme of over 200 live and digital events spanning theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, architecture, music, literature, higher education and a public engagement programme will celebrate the diverse and innovative artists and cultural sectors of each nation. Ranging across city, regional and rural venues in both nations, the programme will include a number of world, UK and Australian premieres.
The QUT Centre for Child and Family Studies is proud to be one of the 200 live and digital events within the Season programme. This programme will strengthen and build cultural connections between the #UK and #Australia. Made possible through the partnership between the British Council and the Australian Government. Other Australian companies and institutions presenting UK work and Season events in Australia include Adelaide Festival, Arts Centre Melbourne, Biennale of Sydney, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Sydney Festival, Sydney Opera House and the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
The High Commissioner for Australia Vicki Treadell commented “The Season is a celebration of not only our culture, and how our artists, performers and our educational institutions connect, but also how we recognise each other for who we are today.” In these uncertain times when international travel is not possible, the centre looks forward to connecting with international colleagues, sharing ideas and a vision for what the post-pandemic world might look like for children and families.
In November the two universities will gather online and hold a public forum with the overarching theme ‘Where are we now and where are we going?’. From this perspective the forum will address the topic ‘Climbing out of Covid with children and families”. The partnership will bring together a multi-disciplinary panel of researchers, advocates, policy makers and service providers from each country to respond to the topic in relation to their climate and context. Registrations for this free online event are now open and can be secured here.
The programme in the UK is presented with season partners including the BFI, Royal Opera House, British Museum, Southbank Centre, Design Museum, The Box (Plymouth), Ikon (Birmingham), Belfast International Arts Festival, Wales Millennium Centre, and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Australian artists presenting work in the UK include Patricia Picinnini, Ben Quilty and Lynette Walworth.
The theme of the Season is ‘Who Are We Now?’ and will reflect on the shared history, current relationship and imagine the future of the two nations. ‘Australia in the UK’ will take place in the UK from September 2021 to December 2022, and ‘UK in Australia’ from September 2021 to March 2022.
Find out more about our partnership with The University of Portsmouth and the season on the website.