- Our Story
- Our Building
Our building
Opened in 1908, the Thomas Dixon Centre was originally commissioned as a shoe factory by entrepreneur Thomas Coar Dixon and designed by architect Richard Gailey. It was redeveloped by subsequent owners, the Queensland Government, in 1991 and became home to Queensland Ballet.
In 2022, the Thomas Dixon Centre started a new life again, as an artistic and community destination. Architects Conrad Gargett, the Queensland Government and Queensland Ballet worked collaboratively to design a centre conducive to performing arts and community engagement, whilst retaining the original building at its heart.
The multi-storey building features an interplay of heritage elements and contemporary architecture. The iconic red brick façade has been preserved, with nods to this rare Brisbane example of Georgian revival-style architecture celebrated throughout.
With wellness at its core, the new Thomas Dixon Centre will continue to inspire with creativity, innovation and sustainability.
“This building will be here when I and my sons have long passed, as a monument of pluck and indomitable perseverance.”
— Thomas Coar Dixon
“The redevelopment of this historic building is a truly transformational moment for the arts in Brisbane. More than an incredible home for Queensland Ballet, the new Thomas Dixon Centre – as a centre for culture and community – will impact the Brisbane artistic landscape for years to come.”
— Li Cunxin
Take a look around
TALBOT Theatre
Our 350+ seat Talbot Theatre is built over three levels, designed to enable full-scale rehearsals and performances, with optimal sightlines from every seat. We look forward to welcoming world-class productions and events from artists-in-residence and hirers, showcases by Queensland Ballet Academy dancers, works for young audiences as part of the My First Ballet Series, as well as masterclasses and community engagements.
Generously supported by the Ken Talbot Foundation
Kite Terrace
The Kite Terrace hovers above the Talbot Theatre, celebrating Queensland’s wide blue skies and Brisbane’s city views and paying tribute to home company Queensland Ballet’s fifth Artistic Director, Li Cunxin AO.
Generously supported by Tim and Gina Fairfax
Ian Potter Promenade
The Ian Potter Promenade sits at the heart of the Thomas Dixon Centre. With the heritage building façade exposed on one side, it is a soaring, welcoming space which connects the many departments of home company Queensland Ballet. Providing unique glimpses into the Wardrobe Workroom and Wellness Suite, the Ian Potter Promenade celebrates the past and present, and offers unexpected connections with art, artists and community.
Generously supported by the Ian Potter Foundation
Community Studio
One of six dance studios, the Community Studio is dedicated to our community. Curated education installations and curriculum-linked school activities, and public dance programs for people of all ages and skills levels ensures that our community has a considered presence in our home, every day.
Generously supported by the Murphy Family Foundation
Wellness Suite
For our Queensland Ballet dancers, we are committed to providing world-leading medical facilities and care for injury prevention, treatment and recovery, and mental wellbeing. Our new Wellness Suite offers outstanding facilities including physio treatment areas, fully-equipped gym, massage zone, medical consultancy rooms, Pilates space and a rehabilitation studio.
Generously supported by Kay Van Norton Poche AO
Dancer Spaces
In addition to the Wellness Suite, Queensland Ballet dancers have access to elegant dressing rooms, designed dressing stations and private lounge and terrace spaces. Their home away from home, Thomas Dixon Centre considers Queensland Ballet dancers at its core.
The Dancers’ Terrace is generously supported by Barbara Bedwell
Wardrobe Workroom
From tutus and period costumes to technology-infused designs, our Wardrobe Workroom creates and refurbishes hundreds of costumes each year. Our new workroom will incorporate workshop and store, fitting rooms and spaces for pointe shoes, wigs, art-finishing and laundry.
We are seeking visionary supporters for our Wardrobe Workroom
EXECUTIVE Gallery
Private meetings and events could be supplemented with private viewings from the 21-seat Gallery as guests watch rehearsals and performances in the TDC Studio Theatre through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall.
We are seeking visionary supporters for our Executive Gallery
SUPPORT US
Supporting the Thomas Dixon Centre’s Wardrobe Workroom or Executive Gallery shows your belief in art and community, and will have an impactful legacy for generations.
For a conversation about how you can join the visionary enablers of the Thomas Dixon Centre, please contact the Queensland Ballet Foundation team at foundation@queenslandballet.com.au
Queensland Ballet is the custodian of the Thomas Dixon Centre. Support for the Thomas Dixon Centre is gratefully received through Queensland Ballet.
Legacy campaigns
We invite you to be a part of the Thomas Dixon Centre’s future by supporting one or more of our Legacy Campaigns.
Studios
Acknowledging the contribution of Queensland Ballet’s five Artistic Directors, six modern, fit-for purpose studios, will provide world-leading spaces for our Company, Jette Parker Young Artists, Pre-Professional Program, visiting Queensland Ballet Academy students and our community, to develop their craft and love of ballet.
STUDIO 1
CHARLES LISNER
Generously supported by Liz and Graeme Wikman
STUDIO 2
Harry Haythorne
Generously supported by Trevor and Judith St Baker
STUDIO 3
Harold Collins
Generously supported by Bruce and Jill Mathieson
STUDIO 4
François Klaus
Generously supported by the Frazer Family Foundation
STUDIO 5
Li Cunxin
Generously supported by Roy and Nola Thompson
STUDIO 6
COMMUNITY STUDIO
Generously supported by the Murphy Family Foundation
Project team
Architect
Conrad Gargett
Renders and Flythrough on this page produced by Conrad Gargett
Main works
Hansen Yuncken commenced the Main Works build in May 2020 after the successful completion of the Early Works by Hutchinson Builders. The Main Works program is set to run for 52 weeks.
Capital Partners & Supporters
THANK YOU TO:
Anonymous, Clive
