Over the past four days, NAISDA hosted the 2026 Arts8 Collaboration on Darkinjung Country, welcoming students from Australia’s eight leading performing arts training organisations for an intensive partnership of creative exchange.
Now in its eighth year, the annual Arts8 Collaboration brings together emerging artists across dance, music, theatre, film and circus, supporting the development of Australia’s next generation of creative practitioners.
NAISDA Dance Practice Lead and 2026 Arts8 Program Coordinator Katina Olsen reflected on the experience. “The Arts8 Exchange creates space for students to take risks, learn from each other’s disciplines and build trust. Through that process, we saw their creative practice and voice begin to shift and develop,” she explained.
“Cultural knowledge, story and place are embedded in NAISDA’s training and shape how our students move, think and create. Sharing that approach brought a depth of First Nations connection and perspective to this year’s collaboration,” said Olsen.
During the exchange, students developed new work and shared practice, culminating in an informal showing on the final day that reflected the collective process. The collaboration also involved strategic planning, with Arts8 CEOs meeting to discuss the partnership’s role in supporting Australia’s creative sector and priorities.
“In our 50th year, it was especially meaningful to host this collaboration on Darkinjung Country,” said NAISDA CEO Kim Walker AM. “It reflects the importance of working collectively to strengthen career pathways and align our training with national cultural priorities in support of Australia’s strong and sustainable creative future.”
For more information about NAISDA and its programs, visit: www.naisda.com.au for details.
Image: Participants at the 2026 Arts8 Collaboration – photo by Geraldine Cardozo