Australia’s pre-eminent performing arts school (National Institute of Dramatic Art) NIDA has announced the appointment of Ms Liz Hughes to the role of CEO effective December 2019.
In recognition of the rapidly transforming performing arts sector, the Board has selected a creative arts, and business qualified senior leader who brings experience across cultural programming, media industries, emerging technologies, and industry-linked creative education.
Liz Hughes comes to NIDA from the University of New South Wales as Director Creative Enterprise at UNSW Art and Design. Prior to that position Liz worked with the Australian Film TV & Radio School (AFTRS) for nine years as Director Partnerships and Development and Director AFTRS Open. Liz holds an Executive MBA and sits on the Board of the Australian Network for Art and Technology.
“NIDA is one of our best export brands when you think of the impact and connections our alumni have gifted Australia,” said Noel Staunton, Chair of NIDA. “After seven years of leadership of NIDA Jenny Bott as Chair and currently CEO leaves NIDA in mid-December in excellent shape and Liz Hughes will build on the contemporary and collaborative strength of NIDA.”
“I’m thrilled to lead NIDA and to build on its global reputation for educating generations of performers, creative leaders and storytellers,” said Liz Hughes. “NIDA has been pivotal in creating and bringing to life our stories on stage, screens of all sizes and at live events.”
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to work with a talented team, the incredible alumni, an impressive Board, strategic partners and the next generation of creators exploring the gamut of the performing arts in all its guises.”
NIDA will soon appoint an Artistic Director to work jointly with Liz Hughes to inspire and enrich the artistic scope of faculty and students.
“As we roll into the third decade of this century, the pace of change and opportunity for NIDA students must be seized, and in Liz we have a very capable and experienced leader with first rate and first-hand experience in building greater relevance,” said Staunton.
“At AFTRS she led the phenomenal growth of the Open Program and at UNSW she has been driving the Sydney Culture Network, undertaking business development to amplify creative technology research and bridging relationships between the university, industry and government.”
Liz Hughes is an experienced and innovative senior executive in the creative, cultural and education sectors. At UNSW Art & Design, Liz was Director Creative Enterprise, a strategic role to drive interdisciplinary collaboration and engage industry and government partners.
Previously at the Australian Film Television and Radio School, Liz held the executive roles of Director Partnerships and Development and Director AFTRS Open, responsible for over 300 short courses annually, international partnerships, overseeing strategic initiatives and revenue generation.
Prior to this, Liz was Executive Director and Artistic Director of Experimenta and co-led the organisations’ transformation, growth and positioning as pivotal in the media arts landscape. Additionally, as a filmmaker, Liz has had an award-winning career.
For more information, visit: www.nida.edu.au for details.
Image: Liz Hughes (supplied)