NAISDA, Australia’s leading national arts training organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is excited to announce the launch of this year’s application and audition process, inviting applications to study at NAISDA in 2024.
With a rich history of nurturing and shaping the careers of renowned First Nations performers for nearly fifty years, the college is calling upon educators and mentors to help NAISDA uncover hidden talent and discover Australia’s creative and cultural leaders of tomorrow.
“While many of our graduates have become household names in the dance and performing arts industry, we recognise that NAISDA may be less well known in some communities,” said NAISDA CEO Kim Walker.
“That’s why we are reaching out to education providers, schoolteachers, Aboriginal learning and support officers, friends and families who play a crucial role in guiding young people’s paths.”
“We invite them to spread the word about applying to NAISDA to help us bring the next generation of First Nations dance artists into the spotlight.”
NAISDA provides a unique pathway to further study. It offers Australia’s only nationally accredited dance and performing arts qualifications specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The curriculum is developed, written, and delivered exclusively by NAISDA.
“We believe arts education is the most powerful way to change the world,” continued Mr Walker. “NAISDA is shaped by the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and communities across Australia.”
“It’s their performances, works, steps and sounds that power Australia’s creative economy and shape the future of Australia’s performing arts industry,” said Mr Walker.
Successful applicants will be invited to NAISDA for onsite auditions from 3 to 5 October. For auditionees who live 90 minutes or more from the college, ABSTUDY assistance is available to cover travel costs and NAISDA provides accommodation and meals during the audition period with the support of ABSTUDY.
The college prides itself on providing a supportive environment that allows students to thrive and achieve their goals, demonstrated by a completion rate double the national average in accredited vocational education and training.
“We understand that coming to NAISDA may be the first experience away from home for many students. Therefore, we build a secure, holistic community around them, to help ease anxiety and remove barriers to training,” said Mr Walker.
“As we open our application and audition process for our 2024 intake, we invite educators, mentors, friends and family to help us discover the next generation of First Nations dance artists.
“If you know a talented First Nations person who is 16 years or older and lives and breathes dance, culture, and creativity, encourage them to take a step towards their dreams by applying to study at NAISDA today,” said Mr Walker.
For more information and to apply, First Nations applicants aged 16 and over should visit www.naisda.com.au and submit their application before 21 August 2023.
Image: NAISDA students performing – photo by Lisa Haymes