Michiru Encinas visiting the fabric store in NIDA’s costume department.
In 2020 YouTube generously committed USD $100,000 to fund three student scholarships for individuals to study at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). The scholarships, of approximately AUD $43,500 each, will be awarded in 2021, 2022 and 2023 to students from backgrounds that have historically been underrepresented in the screen and stage industries.
The inaugural 2021 YouTube Scholarship has been awarded to young Brisbane creativeMichiruEncinas, whose dream was to study costume-making at NIDA.NIDA’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (Costume) accepts only six students per year�even more exclusive than NIDA’s iconic Acting degree.
NIDA’s Head of Costume, Annette Ribbons, said, ‘Michirucame across as a resourceful, creative, proactive young person with an understanding that we operate as part of a collaborative artform.Her dedication, hard work and unique creative vision were evident as she spoke of her passion and ambition to work in the world of costume.Michiruwill thrive because she is open to learning, and has demonstrated creative problem-solving skills with a calm, articulate nature.’
Michiru Encinas with handmade hat. Photographer: Lakshmi Dasi
Ed Miles, Head of YouTube Content Partnerships said that YouTube was thrilled to be supporting the next generation of creative talent in Australia. ‘The inaugural YouTube NIDA Scholarship for 2021 is just one of our initiatives, supporting Australia’s creative economy. YouTube will continue to evolve our initiatives in the coming years, making sure that Australia has a thriving creative sector into the future,’ he said.
Michiruthanked YouTube for their support, saying, ‘I’m incredibly grateful to YouTube for awarding me this very generous scholarship.
‘I think if you bring together avarietyof people with different backgrounds, cultures or perspectives,itcan provide an opportunity to create richer, more diverse and more exciting productions.
‘Not only will the YouTube Scholarship help me financially, but it also encourages and inspires me to work hard atNIDA, andcontribute to an industry that is hopefully more diverse and vibrant in the future.’
Michiru Encinas. Image supplied
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said, ‘We wholeheartedly thank YouTube for their support of NIDA and the artistic community. This scholarship supports our goal for NIDA graduates to be representative of the diversity of contemporary Australia.
‘We want NIDA to be a place where every person feels supported and safe to bring their whole self � tohonourthe qualities that make themunique, andbe nourished by their training to develop a courageous, new, creative voice for the nation.
‘Weare excitedtowelcomeMichiruto the 2021 cohort at NIDA, whereshe can learn fromworld class costumery practitionersand contribute her unique perspective to the NIDA community.’
Of her background,Michirusaid, ‘My mum is Japanese and my dad is Mexican, and I was born here in Australia. Growing up amongst different cultures has helped me to be appreciative of diversity and to have an open mind. I look forward to bringing that cultural awareness to my studies at NIDA.’
When asked howshe’dfelt upon receiving the phone call from the Head of Costume to offer her a place at NIDA,Michirusaid, ‘I was really shocked and I’m so grateful. This isdefinitely mydream and the career I want to pursue. I’m looking forward to studying at NIDA for the next three yearsand seeing where my training takes me.’
NIDA’s 2020cohort ofsixBFA (Costume) graduands were in high demand upon completion of their studiesand areallcurrently working onvarious productionsacrossfilm,theatre (Hamilton Australia)anddance (Australian Ballet).
