Developing Artists Foundation Partners with Arts UNF to Bring Internationally Acclaimed Artist Ben Hennessy to Jacksonville for Student Master Class and Opera Collaboration
Partnership provided professional mentorship and behind-the-scenes access to UNF Opera’s production of The Magic Flute
Jacksonville, Fla. — The Developing Artists Foundation (DAF) recently partnered with Arts UNF, part of the University of North Florida, to provide a unique learning opportunity for student artists through a master class led by internationally recognized Irish artist Ben Hennessy. The collaboration offered students from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts’ technical theatre and sculpture/visual arts programs the chance to learn directly from an experienced theatre professional.As part of this partnership, Hennessy worked remotely with UNF Sculpture Program students and faculty to design sets for the University of North Florida Opera Theater’s mainstage production of “The Magic Flute.” During his visit to Jacksonville, DA students participated in an exclusive master class with Hennessy, gaining insight into his creative process, techniques and professional journey. Students also received complimentary tickets to attend a performance of the opera, where they saw the artistic process come full circle on stage.
For more than 35 years, Ben Hennessy has built an international reputation as both a visual artist and theatre practitioner. Known for his large-scale oil paintings, Hennessy’s work often draws on mythological and imaginative themes, blending expressive color and storytelling. In addition to his studio practice, he has designed more than 80 theatrical productions across Ireland, London, New York and beyond. As Artistic Director of Little Red Kettle, he has collaborated on dozens of world premieres and directed celebrated productions including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Riddley Walker.” Hennessy is also an accomplished playwright and educator, regularly leading workshops and creative classes for artists of all ages.“This partnership reflects exactly why the Developing Artists Foundation exists — to connect students with real-world, professional experiences that expand their creativity beyond the classroom,” said Jackie Cornelius, Executive Director of the Developing Artists Foundation. “Learning from an artist of Ben’s caliber gives students invaluable exposure to both the artistic process and the collaborative nature of live performance.”
Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” was presented by UNF Opera Theater on April 10 and April 12, showcasing Hennessy’s original set designs to bring a visually dynamic interpretation of the beloved opera to life. "Collaboration is essential to impactful arts education,” said Caitlín Doherty, Associate Vice President, Arts UNF and Executive Director, MOCA Jacksonville. “Arts UNF was thrilled to support and elevate the extraordinary collaboration between the UNF School of Music Opera Theater Program; UNF Department of Art, Art History & Design Sculpture Program’s Scenic Design course; and the UNF Symphony Orchestra to create meaningful, real‑world learning experiences. By engaging internationally recognized artist and theatre professional Ben Hennessy, UNF students, as well as students from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, had the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by a highly experienced international artist, while also offering hands‑on exposure to the collaborative process behind a mainstage opera production."
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment between the Developing Artists Foundation and Arts UNF to expand access to high-level arts education and connect students with professional artists in impactful ways.
To learn more about the Developing Artists Foundation and its programs, visit https://www.developingartistsfoundation.org
