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The Australian Performing Arts Conservatory (APAC) will be changing hands following an announcement the Brisbane-based cultural institution will be acquired by UK-headquartered Global Education Holdings (GEDU) for an undisclosed sum.
Founded in 1993 by Marcus Hogan, who was APAC's CEO until 2020, the conservatory has produced many successful TV, theatre, and film professionals including Mirko Grillini (The Chronicles of Narnia, Home and Away), Libby Munro (Wild Woman, Grounded), Lasarus Ratuere (Mabo, Ghost in the Shell), Luke McKenzie (Wentworth) and Ilai Swindells (Bay of Fires).
Formerly known as the Australian Stage Combat School (ASCS) and with its campus in the heart of Brisbane's CBD, APAC is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
To link up with industry and other educators, the conservatory has agreements and cooperative relationships with Village Roadshow, TAFE Queensland, Perform Australia and TOC Australia.
The announcement marks GEDU's first foray into the Australian market, expanding a global footprint that has recently included acquisitions of maritime school MLA College in the UK, French management school École de Management Appliqué (EMA), and US-based Schiller International University, having campuses in Tampa, Madrid, Heidelberg and Paris.
"GEDU is creating a diverse portfolio of educational institutions and services to offer high quality, accessible, skill-oriented higher education across the globe," says GEDU deputy chief executive officer, Professor Ray Lloyd.
"The acquisition of APAC, with its outstanding reputation in delivering performing arts education, allows us to extend our curricula offer whilst also extending our geographical reach into Australia."
Business News Australia has reached out to APAC for comment.
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