Edith Cowan University (ECU) has unveiled the name of its new state-of-the-art performing arts facility for the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at the new ECU City campus, as the Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence.
The announcement precedes the campus’ upcoming inaugural semester, beginning in February 2026, which will bring over 300 public performances to Perth’s arts calendar.
Located at the Roe Street entrance to ECU City, the Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence will become the new home for WAAPA – including six public performance venues and two rehearsal spaces, featuring cutting-edge acoustics, engineering and technology inspired by the world’s best theatres.
The naming recognises the significance of the transformational $30 million philanthropic partnership with Minderoo Foundation, a landmark 25-year agreement – the largest private donation to the performing arts in Australian history.
The partnership supports the specialist fit-out of WAAPA’s eight public performance venues, as well as the establishment of the Premier Visiting Artist Fund, an endowed fund helping WAAPA deliver world-class training from international performers and educators and enhancing its long-term strategic programming for decades to come.
“Art has the power to transform the world, and Minderoo Foundation is proud to champion the next generation of visionary WAAPA artists at this world leading facility. It will be a place where bold ideas, movements, and inspiration take root and blossom,” Dr Andrew Forrest AO said.
“My hope is that the Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence becomes a global beacon of creativity, learning, and connection – a space that unites and brings out the very best in all of us.”
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said the naming recognised the generosity and vision of Minderoo Foundation, whose support will have a lasting impact on the future of WAAPA and the creative arts landscape.
“We’re honoured to name this Centre in recognition of Minderoo Foundation’s extraordinary commitment to students and to the future success of performing arts in Western Australia,” Professor Pollock said.
The naming of the Minderoo Centre for Performance Excellence signals a new chapter in WAAPA’s history, with students, staff, audiences and the arts sector set to benefit from the enduring legacy of this transformational gift.
“We are deeply grateful to Minderoo Foundation for its support in realising this ambitious vision and for backing Western Australia’s creative future,” Professor Pollock added.
