Established upon one of the world’s oldest learning places.
Home of the Whadjuk Noongar people for more than two thousand generations.
Boorloo, also known as Perth.
Has a new university: a place of learning and performance at its heart.
Edith Cowan University and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts acknowledges the Traditional Owners, Custodians and knowledge-holders of these unceded lands upon which students and staff live, learn and work, and pays its respects to the ancestors and Elders of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
A chorus of support
Together, we have the power to redefine what’s possible for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) to elevate it to new heights, expand its global reach and inspire the next generation of performers, creators and cultural leaders.
Thank you for being part of this journey to secure WAAPA’s place among the world’s leading performing arts training institutions. With your support, we can look to the future with confidence and the promise of something truly special.
Gaye
McMath Chancellor, Edith Cowan University
Our new home at ECU City is more than a building; it’s a beacon for the arts and will give WAAPA a global stage like never before. With your support, we can make it a place where more young talent is nurtured and where cutting-edge programs breathe cultural life into our city for the benefit of the entire community.
Professor Clare Pollock Vice-Chancellor, Edith Cowan University
At WAAPA, we believe in the power of performance to transform lives - on stage and off. I’ve seen firsthand the magic that sparks when budding talent is afforded extraordinary opportunity. Your generosity will help ignite the next generation of artists, fuelling their dreams to share their craft and stories with the world.
Di Bain Chair, WAAPA Advisory Board
For more than four decades, the unwavering support of our donor community has been fundamental to WAAPA’s growth and success. Now, as we step into a thrilling new chapter, philanthropy is more important than ever. We know that with passionate partners like you by our side, Elevating Excellence Together will be possible.
Professor David Shirley Executive Dean, WAAPA
The stage is set
Established in 1980, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts at Edith Cowan University (ECU), lovingly referred to as WAAPA, provides the most comprehensive range of performing arts training in Australia and has produced some of the country’s biggest stars.
Household names like Hugh Jackman, Lisa McCune, Lucy Durack, Eddie Perfect, Emma Matthews, Jessica Gethin, and Tim Minchin all launched their careers after training at WAAPA.
From a relatively quiet nook in the leafy neighbourhood suburb of Mount Lawley, WAAPA’s profile will be raised even higher on the national and international stage by its relocation to ECU’s new state-of-theart campus in the Perth CBD.
The curtains to ECU City campus will raise in February 2026 with a design and technology fit-out surpassing any other performing arts institution in the Southern Hemisphere.
This has been made possible through the incredible backing of our federal and state governments with ECU, as well as the extraordinary generosity of WAAPA’s Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
The stage is set.
We are now calling on your help to bring it to life, Elevating Excellence Together.
This will be the birthplace of ideas that motivate people, companies and governments to act, reassess their behaviours or start a movement.”
Dr Andrew Forrest AO Minderoo Foundation
A creative nexus
Walking through the hallways of WAAPA at Edith Cowan University, you can feel the buzz of creative energy in the air. Dance students skip excitedly to their next class, opera echoes through the corridors, and music students strum on guitars composing original new songs together in hallways.
It’s a truly special place to be where all the performing arts disciplines come together under one roof.
Music Theatre
A truly special place
A place for community with 300+ public shows every year – more productions and diversity in performances than any other arts training institution in Australia.
An equal place where everyone is valued and celebrated with pathway programs ensuring equity and excellence coexist.
An aspiring place as the home of LINK Dance Company, the only graduate dance company of its kind in Australia.
An authentic place with WAAPA’s first full-time Aboriginal lecturer teaching the Aboriginal Performance Program.
A historic place with the world’s largest collection of rare keyboard instruments, the Stewart Symonds Collection.
Learn more about Aboriginal Performance at WAAPA.
At WAAPA, budding talent is nurtured by world-class teaching staff who are masters of their craft passing their passion and experience onto the next generation. Emerging artists are free and safe to learn, experiment and be applauded well before they reach any public stage.
Artistic excellence is abundant. Together, we can elevate it to new heights.
Alumni spotlight
Our graduates are proof of WAAPA’s impact locally, nationally and internationally.
We are proud to have trained big names like Hugh Jackman, Tim Minchin, Dacre Montgomery and Meg Mac. We are equally proud of the contribution that our entire alumni community is making to keep arts and culture alive and flourishing, especially here in Western Australia.
WAAPA is a place fondly remembered by those who train here, where artistry, creativity, self-expression and collaboration are encouraged, and life-long friendships and artistic collaborations are forged.
This institution develops extraordinary artists. I’m so grateful for the two years I spent here. It’s almost impossible to measure the value of what that gave me.”
Dr Tim Minchin AM Diploma of Music (Commercial Music),
1998
Doctor
of Performing Arts, 2019
WAAPA is more than just a university. It is a place that champions the next generation of artists and thinkers to dream. It is a meeting point for community to connect with culture; a state-of-the-art space to entertain, enquire and educate. At WAAPA, anything is possible.”
Scott Elstermann
Bachelor of Arts (Dance), 2014
WAAPA was where I found my artistic voice. It gave me the skills, the resilience, and the confidence to build a life in the arts. I had endless fun and made lifelong friends.
WAAPA’s move into the heart of Perth is an incredible opportunity - not just for students, but for the whole community to experience the magic that happens when the arts are front and centre.”
Amy Manford Bachelor of Music, 2013
Graduate Diploma of Music, 2014
WAAPA was a truly special chapter in my life, an inspiring, challenging, and joyful time filled with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.
It was also the springboard that launched me into the professional industry, equipping me with the skills, discipline, and resilience needed to thrive.
I believe institutions like WAAPA have the power to deeply enrich the community, not only by nurturing the next generation of artists, but by fostering creativity, empathy, and cultural connection.”
Samuel Maxted Bachelor of Arts (Performing
Arts), 2013
Supporting the stars of tomorrow
The ever-rising cost of living is making studying increasingly difficult. This is even more pronounced for our WAAPA students as the training is intensive and demanding with contact hours often the equivalent of a full-time job, not to mention after-hour rehearsals and performances.
It is often difficult for our talented WAAPA students to consistently supplement their income with part-time work because of their intensive training schedules. Additionally, necessary items like ‘pointe’ ballet shoes and musical instruments can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. These incremental costs all need to be covered by the student in addition to their student fees.
Your support can help talented students realise their artistic dreams and become the shining lights of tomorrow.
How you can help
For more than four decades, the enduring generosity of our donor community has been fundamental to WAAPA’s growth and success.
Now, as we step into a thrilling new chapter with our move to ECU City, we have a bold and ambitious vision to make WAAPA the best performing arts institution on the planet.
We know that with the backing of passionate partners like you, this ambitious plan is within reach.
By enabling new generations to experience the transformative power of performance, we can harness the extraordinary ability of the arts to inspire, unite and uplift communities.”
Nicola Forrest AO Minderoo Foundation
Excellence, Internationalisation and Sustainability
Whether you’re a current member of our incredible donor community, have supported WAAPA previously, or are a passionate advocate for the arts, we invite you to join us in Elevating Excellence Together. Your philanthropy can make a difference in so many areas. With WAAPA’s new home and performance spaces at ECU City already paid for, 100% of your generous support will go towards WAAPA’s overarching goals of excellence, internationalisation and sustainability.
Together, we can create a place we can be proud of as Western Australians.
A place that is transformative for students, where audiences are inspired and one that positions Perth and our State as a premier destination for future generations of performing arts practitioners, nurturing the creativity that will enrich our lives and communities for decades to come.
Your gift, your choice
There are so many areas where your generosity can make a difference to our students, research and our communities.
Empower
Excellence and Equity
Scholarships and Bursaries
Connect Outreach Programs
Preserve
Historic Pianos
Nurture
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) Students
Innovate
Groundbreaking Research
Engage Visiting Artist Programs
Elevate
Premier Visiting Artist Program
You could provide talented students with access to world-class performing arts education through scholarships and bursaries, ensuring opportunity is available to all, regardless of background.
You could engage diverse communities, regional areas, and schools with outreach programs, workshops, and performances, fostering greater inclusivity and broadening our cultural impact.
You could support the preservation of WAAPA’s rare collection of historic keyboard instruments, and fund research and historically informed public performances that celebrate our rich musical heritage.
You could foster creativity and develop the talents of ATSI students through initiatives like the renowned Certificate IV in Aboriginal Performance, nurturing the next generation of ATSI artists.
You could invest in groundbreaking research projects that push artistic boundaries and enhance innovative practices within the performing arts.
You could facilitate national and international exchange and collaboration through programs inviting leading visiting artists from various disciplines.
You could propel WAAPA onto the global arts stage with initiatives like the Premier Visiting Artist Program, established by our Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation. This program helps elevate WAAPA’s reputation for excellence and cultivates international prestige.
Shining Lights Scholarship Program
Help students overcome financial challenges to realise their artistic dreams.
This opportunity represents not only a beacon of hope but also a crucial support in a time when financial and personal challenges have made pursuing my dreams increasingly difficult. I am deeply grateful for your support and the opportunity to fully realise my potential as an artist.”
Enya Bachelor of Performing Arts
Historic Pianos
With your help, we can revive the musical magic of the past.
ECU seeks to lead the world in historical keyboard instrument teaching and research by establishing a new Centre for Keyboard Performance and Research. Based out of WAAPA, it will be a hub of excellence for collaboration and innovation around piano education, restoration, conservation, research and performance.
A ‘Piano Salon’ has been purpose-built on the ground floor of ECU City as an exhibition and performance space to showcase historic instruments from the collection.
With the venue fully funded, we are now seeking donor support to bring this space to life so students and the community can experience musical history.
WAAPA is home to Australia’s most preeminent public collection of rare and important pianos, the Stewart Symonds Keyboard Instrument Collection. Comprised of 140 historical keyboard instruments from the 18th-20th centuries, the collection is recognised as one of the most significant in the world, including several that are the last remaining examples of their kind globally.
Performers will be given the chance to experiment with long-lost soundscapes, and the restoration program promises to revitalise a rare craft that is in grave danger of vanishing globally.”
Professor David Shirley
Executive Dean, WAAPA
Premier Visiting Artist Fund
A groundbreaking, global-first initiative, made possible by a generous principal gift from the Minderoo Foundation is transforming WA performing arts education. This gift has formed an endowed fund to support visiting artists now and into the future, ensuring a lasting impact.
The Premier Visiting Artist Fund enables WAAPA to host world-class visiting artists across all performing arts disciplines, significantly enhancing our international reputation and enriching student learning.
Long-Term Visiting Artist Residencies
Thanks to the support of Minderoo Foundation, we welcomed two truly remarkable artists, Cheek by Jowl and Eddie Perfect, into WAAPA for a three-year Visiting Artist Residency, culminating in two spectacular performances in 2025.
We have seen firsthand that long-term, high-calibre engagements leave a lasting and deeply transformational impact on our students and the wider community. The ripple effects are felt for years by our WAAPA’s graduates and the stories they share. Students carry this experience throughout their careers, graduating with the knowledge that this level of artistry is within their reach.
When we support great artists, we don’t just shape performances — we shape people, inspire the future, and drive creativity in our community.
I think it is so very important for students to have contact with performers throughout the world to prepare them for their future careers.”
Nick Ormerod
Co-founder and Joint Artistic Director, Cheek by Jowl
What is sacred about theatre is that it celebrates the spaces between people that matter.”
Declan Donnellan
Co-founder and Joint Artistic Director, Cheek by Jowl
Creating full circle opportunities
The Premier Visiting Artist Fund doesn’t just support international artists; it capitalises on and supports home-grown talent as well.
In the case of Eddie Perfect, he’s come full circle from his days as a WAAPA student, to a songwriting career on Broadway and back again to share his knowledge and experiences with the next generation of budding performing artists.
Funding from WAAPA’s Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation, has enabled the Music Theatre alumnus to work with his contemporaries over three years to write and develop a brand-new musical comedy, Tivoli Lovely.
Inspired by a desire to create a new work of music theatre that strengthens connection with our theatrical past, the Australian and world premiere will be brought to life in Perth by WAAPA’s 2nd and 3rd Year Music Theatre and Music students.
Featuring a cast of 40, plus full live music ensemble, this program has provided so many students with an extraordinary opportunity to hone their craft, build professional networks and gain industry ready experience.
We have our very own brand of show business here in Australia. In writing Tivoli Lovely, I hope to honour the ghosts of Australia’s extraordinary theatrical past, whilst celebrating our bright future with the next generation of performers.
Thank you Minderoo Foundation for a truly extraordinary and life-changing experience making a brand-new Australian musical.”
Eddie Perfect
WAAPA alumnus, Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre),
2001
Be part of our family
All donors become valued members of our ECU WAAPA family, recognised and treated with the utmost care and respect.
We will celebrate your impact through regular updates, and you’ll have opportunities to attend performances and events with a wonderful network of likeminded people who are passionate about the arts and education.
Ways to give
One-off donation
Regular giving
A single gift paid in one instalment.
Provide ongoing support through monthly or annual donations, enabling long-term planning and helping us maintain the highest standards of excellence.
Gift in Will (Bequest)
By including WAAPA in your estate plans, you will be giving a gift that transcends generations. We promise to work closely with you and your family to ensure that your gift will leave a legacy that reflects your passions and wishes.
Gift levels
Something for everyone
No matter whether you’re in a position to donate $5 or $500,000, there are opportunities at every level and all gifts are gratefully received.
Importantly, 100% of your donation will help WAAPA and our students reach new heights. There are no administration or overhead fees.
Shining stars
Golden stars
Bright stars
Shooting stars
Budding stars
Community stars
Friends of the Academy
Transformational gifts of $1M+
Significant gifts over $100,000pa
Major gifts over $50,000pa
Large gifts over $20,000pa
Starter gifts over $10,000pa
Online donations towards existing community appeals such as the WAAPA Shining Lights Scholarship Program
An annual membership will help this volunteer run organisation support our stars of tomorrow - friendsoftheacademy.org.au
Gifts may be tax deductible* and can be made as a one-time donation, pledged over multiple years or structured as a Gift in Will.
*ECU is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). As part of ECU, donations to WAAPA may be tax-deductible to the donor. Membership payments to Friends of the Academy do not qualify for tax-deductibility. Please note that the University and WAAPA are unable to provide tax advice, so we recommend that you consult a qualified advisor on these matters if required.
Endowed funds for the future
A key goal of the Elevating Excellence Together campaign is to grow WAAPA’s Endowed Funds, which aim to support the long-term financial sustainability of our teaching, learning, research, and community initiatives.
Donating to one of our pooled funds multiplies the impact of your gift exponentially. Your contribution will be carefully invested to generate interest revenue, which is used to support key activities now and provides WAAPA with the opportunity to develop new programs and innovative research projects in the future.
We invite you to consider supporting one of our two established Endowed Funds:
WAAPA Endowed Fund
An unrestricted fund that provides vital support where it’s needed most. With the potential for recognition through naming opportunities at ECU City, it ensures the ongoing strength of WAAPA’s programs and initiatives.
Premier Visiting Artist Fund
A groundbreaking, global-first initiative established with a generous principal gift from Minderoo Foundation. This fund enables WAAPA to host world-class visiting artists across all performing arts disciplines, significantly enhancing our international reputation and enriching student learning.
Separate bespoke endowments can be established with a gift of $100,000 or more. Our team are here to work with you to ensure that your contribution is aligned with your passions and where you would like to see the greatest impact.
Bravo to our early supporters
WAAPA and ECU are incredibly grateful for the galaxy of support received over the decades, which has helped nurture generations of performing artists here in Perth, Western Australia and the world.
Our heartfelt thanks is extended to the early supporters of our Elevating Excellence Together fundraising campaign who have helped launch this campaign with their transformational contributions to WAAPA’s new Endowed Funds.
Minderoo Foundation
As WAAPA’s Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation made one of the largest gifts to the performing arts in Australia’s history. Minderoo Foundation has supported the specialist fit-out of eight state-of-the-art public performance and rehearsal spaces. It has also established the Premier Visiting Artists Fund to bring world renowned artists to WAAPA so that our students can learn from the best in the world.
McCusker Charitable Foundation
The WAAPA Endowed Fund was established with an incredibly generous gift from the McCusker Charitable Foundation to support the excellence, internationalisation and sustainability of the Academy.
Paula Huston
With fond memories of growing up in Mount Lawley near WAAPA, we thank Paula for giving generously in life and in her Will to provide invaluable international experiences to WAAPA students and early year graduates. These gifts will be added into the WAAPA Endowed Fund.
The Estate of Lesley Derksen
We fondly remember Lesley as a passionate supporter of backstage production. This extraordinary bequest from our treasured teaching alumna will be added into the WAAPA Endowed Fund.
Make a transformational impact
Our most generous donors will be offered the opportunity to be honoured in a significant way through the potential naming of key performance venues at WAAPA’s new home at ECU City.
In this way, your gift will form the heart of creativity in Perth, creating a legacy that inspires students, artists, visitors and the WA community for generations to come.
Take a look at WAAPA’s incredible new home at ECU City campus:
Your legacy, their future
We invite you to consider how you can be personally linked to the incredible new performance, rehearsal and backstage spaces that will become the hallmark of the WAAPA student experience and incubator for the future of the arts.
Some of these special places include but are not limited to*:
Public performance venues
Playhouse Theatre
The jewel in the crown: WAAPA’s principal performance venue for drama, music theatre, opera, classical voice and ballet.
Dance Theatre
Designed by the acclaimed Haworth Tomkins for contemporary and classical genres.
SoundHouse
Inspired by New York’s finest jazz lounges for an intimate live music experience.
Flexible Theatre
Versatility inbuilt for experimentation in movement and voice performance.
Aboriginal Performance Theatre & Studio
A culturally safe space for the teaching and practice of First Nations song, dance and storytelling
Piano Salon
Australia’s most preeminent public collection of rare and important pianos on display for performance, research and restoration. 152 5-15 pianos on rotation
Explore the world-class performance spaces soon to be open in the heart of Perth citycampus.ecu.edu.au/performance
Join us in Elevating Excellence Together
We welcome the opportunity to talk about a gift that aligns with your values, passions and that will make the impact that is most important to you.
Creative thinkers made here.
ECU extends its sincere gratitude to Minderoo Foundation for its transformational gift and commitment to the performing arts as WAAPA’s Principal Partner.
