As we approach the end of the year, and students, staff and NIDA community members look forward to the festive break, NIDA Director/CEO Kate Cherry reflects on the past 12 months, in what was her first year as head of NIDA.
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Photo: NIDA Director/CEO Kate Cherry
The view from my office into the main foyer of our Kensington campus often feels like a window into the future of Australia’s creative industries. It’s a place where I can witness the unique energy flowing in a place where many creative journeys begin and many more continue; where our students enter the building and make magic as they go from one theatre, workshop or rehearsal room to the next, where audiences and industry professionals gather prior to the commencement of productions, and where meetings of all kinds, from creative to corporate, take place.
My first year here has seen NIDA continue to grow, thanks to dedicated teaching staff and the many talented creatives who come here as students and leave as leaders. We are continually reminded of the positive impact we are having on the creative and cultural industries of Australia and the world. Our graduates invariably light up the nominees’ and winners’ lists at awards ceremonies and stages and screens in many corners of the globe. And it’s not just exceptional performing artists; it’s also the behind-the-scenes theatre-makers who make a real difference in the industries they serve.
NIDA is essentially an institute for dramatic artists. At our best we are ambitious change-makers engaged in collaborative undertakings. We empower our creatives through strong industry relationships and celebrate extraordinary alumni returning to direct student productions.
Add to that the NIDA Open programs which allow everyone to undertake NIDA-infused short course training, the NIDA Corporate courses that help business people reach their true potential and the various schools and theatre programs, which add their own splashes of life and colour – and you have an artistic hub that has the capacity to house and empower the doers, the makers, the dreamers, the innovators and the creators all in one space.
I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a restful and happy festive season and look forward to welcoming our new and returning students and staff in 2018.
Kate Cherry
Director/CEO
