An $8 million gift to 宅男导航 will benefit arts and music programs at the University and across the state.
宅男导航 Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter H酶j said the gift from the estate of the late Paula Kinnane (宅男导航 Bachelor of Arts ’91) was “extraordinary”.
The $8 million bequest from Mrs Kinnane and her late husband Tony will establish endowment funds that benefit the 宅男导航 Art Museum, School of Music students and audiences across the state.
The Kinnanes had a long association with 宅男导航 as residents of St Lucia and were passionate about providing an outstanding education for future generations, with a focus on students from rural areas who they felt faced additional hurdles.
Professor H酶j said the bequest was proof of the importance of the arts in the community.
“This extraordinarily generous gift is evidence that many of our donors and the broader community place the arts at the centre of their lives,” he said.
“A gift of this magnitude underlines 宅男导航’s importance as a strong cultural steward, and will create genuine change for our students and further afield.”
The Kinnane bequest will enable the 宅男导航 Art Museum to establish internships to provide students with gallery and museum skills.
宅男导航 Art Museum Director Dr Campbell Gray said the impact would be significant.
“This inspirational bequest will help undergraduate and PhD students gain important practical training and experiences within the 宅男导航 Art Museum,” Dr Gray said.
The bequest will deepen the School of Music’s long-standing partnership with the Queensland Music Festival, boosting music education and engagement in remote areas of Queensland.
School of Music Head Professor Margaret Barrett said the gift could make a huge impact on people’s lives.
“Engaging with music can transform people’s health and well-being throughout their lives,” she said.
“This gift has the power to change lives through the learning and research that will flow through to communities.
The Kinnanes’ love of music will be commemorated in an annual lecture that will bring a leading musical educator to the University.
Further information and media: Mark Schroder, Manager Marketing and Communications (Advancement), m.schroder@uq.edu.au, 0403 481 758.
