The time has finally come for me to say farewell to you all – students, colleagues, alumni, friends and supporters within an ever widening NIDA community. The last eight and a half years have been immensely rewarding for me and together we have achieved so much positive change.
The time has finally come for me to say farewell to you all – students, colleagues, alumni, friends and supporters within an ever widening NIDA community. The last eight and a half years have been immensely rewarding for me and together we have achieved so much positive change.
We have transformed the learning and teaching environment at NIDA with new facilities, new technology and new future-focussed programs. Students are collaborating across disciplines, exploring and taking risks with new ideas, making new work for a broad range of platforms and preparing for industry roles as artistic innovators and cultural entrepreneurs. Our teaching staff members are both mentors to students and contributors to best industry practice. The quality and efficacy of our model of practice-based, conservatoire education and training has been recognised by the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency through the granting of self-accrediting authority and we have re-positioned ourselves with internationally recognised degrees.
In a recent conversation with the Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership) students, I was asked about the legacy of my leadership. My response was that although I am very proud of the physical transformations that are evident in our new Graduate School, the Atrium Theatre, the new studios, tutorial rooms, practice rooms and meeting spaces, and the new technology that fills them, I am most proud of the culture change which we have achieved across the organisation. NIDA is increasingly a more transparent, caring and collaborative institution where respect for the contribution of all members of the team and for our diverse cohorts of students, is paramount.
I am delighted to be handing over the directorship of NIDA to Kate Cherry, who is immersed in best contemporary practice and understands the role that NIDA plays in developing the next generation of creative leaders and in bringing innovation to our industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and opportunities this position brings and can only wish that Kate will find the same satisfaction and enjoyment in her leadership of this ever-evolving hothouse of creativity.
In February 2017, I take up a new role as the Principal of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. Who knows, perhaps our paths will cross again. My best wishes to all of you and sincere thanks for your steadfast support and commitment to NIDA over these eventful years of my directorship.
Lynne Williams
Director/CEO, NIDA
