The Lady Marigold Southey AC Artistic Enrichment Fund has been established through an extraordinary leadership gift from Lady Marigold Southey AC to ensure that Australian Ballet School students graduate truly work-ready, having experienced the artistic standards of a professional ballet company throughout their training. As a permanent endowed fund, it will provide ongoing support for three essential elements of artistic development: annual live music accompaniment, including performances with Orchestra Victoria; access to professional costumes from The Australian Ballet wardrobe; and a dedicated pointe shoe fund that supports dancer health, technical development and wellbeing. 

Together, these resources create the conditions in which excellence thrives, enabling students to train and perform in an environment that mirrors the profession they are preparing to enter.  

In addition, Lady Southey’s gift will establish the Lady Marigold Southey AC Australian Ballet School Basic Wardrobe, a permanent costume collection supported by onsite storage facilities. This professional, sustainable and readily accessible resource will enhance student performances while strengthening the School’s artistic capability for generations to come. By securing these vital artistic assets in perpetuity, the Fund ensures that live music, costumes and pointe shoes are no longer aspirational extras, but enduring foundations of an exceptional ballet education.