The Helpmann story

In 2015, the Helpmann Academy logo underwent a revamp, replacing the previous design that had been in use since the organisation’s inception.

Sir Robert Murray Helpmann CBE was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia on 9 April 1909. He was the eldest of the three children to Murray Helpman and his wife, Mary, née Gardiner. Mary had a passion for the theatre, and her enthusiasm was passed on to all three of her children. Helpmann’s younger brother Max and their sister Sheila both made their own careers on stage, television and screen.

From 1930 until his retirement twenty years later, Helpmann was premier dancer at London’s Sadler’s Wells Company.

Helpmann is named Australian of the Year.

Helpmann is appointed artistic director of the Adelaide Festival of 1970. He spends much time sourcing and appointing the performers for it. As well as showcasing Australian talent he aims to attract internationally prestigious performers.

Helpmann dies in Sydney on 28 September 1986 from emphysema. He was given the rare tribute of a state funeral. Tributes were also paid in both Houses of the Parliament of Australia. In the Senate all senators present stood in silence. This was noted as a rarity, and it was put on record that “it is only in exceptional circumstances that motions of condolence are moved for distinguished Australians who have not sat in the Parliament.”

The Helpmann Academy was formed in 1994 in honour of Sir Robert Helpmann, the iconic South Australian ballet dancer, actor, director, and choreographer, to support emerging artists completing tertiary studies.

The Helpmann Academy provides professional development opportunities including grants, awards, fellowships, mentorships, masterclasses, workshops, and advisory services plus local and international artist residencies.

The Helpmann Academy Graduate Exhibition continues to stand as a pivotal platform for emerging artists state-wide. Starting in mid-March 1995, the renowned exhibition was initially named the Helpmann Academy Exhibition. It wasn’t until 1998, following a revitalisation, that the exhibition relocated to the Gerard and Goodman Building at Synagogue Place, attracting an impressive attendance of 3,000.

The Maestros & Apprentices event was created as an intimate fundraising dinner featuring renowned SA chef Cheong Liew at the Hilton, shortly after the organisation’s establishment. Over the course of more than two decades, it evolved into one of the city’s premier charity galas, drawing in up to 500 guests annually.

The black-tie event showcased the finest in South Australian cuisine and wines, accompanied by live performances from a big band, offering attendees an evening of dancing and entertainment. Guests had the opportunity to participate in silent and major auctions, featuring artworks by some of the state’s most promising emerging artists. Featured artists were graduates of Adelaide’s three prestigious tertiary arts institutions: The University of South Australia, Adelaide College of the Arts (TAFE), and Adelaide Central School of Art.

The first Helpmann Academy website was launched and with the creation of The Ning, a platform for artists to support their work and share their works with peers, supporters, and the art industry.

The long-running international British School at Rome Residency (now valued at $30,000) was launched. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity sees an emerging South Australian artist undertake an immersive residency in the heart of Rome, Italy.

In 2015, the Helpmann Academy logo underwent a revamp, replacing the previous design that had been in use since the organization’s inception.

Amidst the global pandemic, the Helpmann Academy offered $200,000 in grants to help artists at any stage in their careers. The funds came in four different forms: Creative Relief Fund, Creative Development Fund, Creative Incubator Fund and Creative Investment Fund.

In 2021, the Helpmann Academy introduced a new landmark initiative, the Helpmann Academy Creative Innovator Program. It is a six-month intensive incubator program tailored to develop emerging creative entrepreneurs’ business models and entrepreneurial mindsets.

In 2023, the Helpmann Academy launched HA>NESS. Unique to South Australia, it is the only young dynamic, donor circle of its kind. Donations to this program directly support up and coming emerging artists.

This year marks a significant milestone, as the Helpmann Academy showcases the remarkable depth of creative talent nurtured through their programs and professional development opportunities.

The Helpmann Academy are incredibly proud of their role in fostering a culture of recognition and appreciation for the challenges that emerging creatives face, today more than ever, as they continue to build a supportive community around them.

The Helpmann Academy take great pride in their commitment to cultivating a culture of acknowledgment and support for the unique challenges encountered by emerging creatives.