Universities and TAFE help South Australia's creative arts graduates via Helpmann Academy

Dance students at Adelaide College of the Arts, one of the Helpmann Academy partners.
Image by Sofia Calado, courtesy Adelaide College of the Arts

The Helpmann Academy, formed in 1994, is the only organisation of its kind in Australia. This a unique partnership, unifying the skills and resources of the South Australia’s universities (Adelaide University Elder school of music, Flinders University drama centre, University of South School Australia School of Art) and TAFE (Training and Further Education) SA’s Adelaide College of the Arts in Light Square, Adelaide.

The Helpmann Academy supports graduates in creative arts, promoting South Australia as a centre for excellence in creative education, and contributing to creative community of the state.

The academy is funded by the state government via each university and institution contributing an equal amount and by the Helpmann Foundation Board that sources money from philanthropic supporters of the creative arts. The main sources of its funding are via mentorships and the annual Maestroes and Apprentices event.

The academy provides grants and awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses and seminars, advice and international artist residencies – all tailored for South Australia’s higher education students, graduates and emerging creative artists.

The academy, named after famous South Australian dancer, actor and director Robert Helpmann, sponsors courses in music, dance, drama, directing, visual arts, technical theatre production and design.

The academy's board of governors comprises the vice chancellors from South Australia's three universities, the chief executive of the South Australian government department of further education, employment, science and technology or their delegates, and leading representatives of the creative arts and business sectors.

The academy schools have strong links with overseas creative arts institutions and they make exchanges in visual arts, drama, dance and music with New Zealand, United States of America, Indonesia, Japan, China and Europe. Visits by performers and artists from around the world are encouraged.

The Adelaide Central School of Art stopped being a partner of the Helpmann Academy in 2016, after funding changes.