Chair’s introduction

The 2021 Annual Report illustrates the extraordinary commitment and endeavour of the entire NIDA staff during another year of pandemic-related disruption. I would like to recognise the energy and leadership of CEO Liz Hughes in ensuring that NIDA continued to deliver excellence in dramatic arts training while maintaining a strong focus on the future ahead. At the annual Board strategic planning day in August, Liz and the management team presented NIDA’s 2030+ vision which is aimed at ensuring the sustainability and continued evolution and impact of the school. This work was embraced by the Board as exciting and essential and this vision continues to be refined, along with the development and establishment of partnerships that will be critical to its success.

The NIDA graduation in May was attended by the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, with 146 students from the Vocational Educational Training, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts receiving their awards, joining an incredible alumni. They were congratulated by MC and NIDA Board member Sigrid Thornton and guest speaker NIDA alumni Susie Porter (Acting 1995) who shared her experiences in a very entertaining and inspiring address. Each year, NIDA recognises those who are making a significant contribution to the performing arts industry both in Australia, and globally. In 2021 the Honorary Master of Fine Arts was awarded to Ursula Yovich for her work as a powerful multidisciplinary storyteller across theatre, film, television and music. The Leslie Walford AM award, that supports a graduate in a project to advance their career, was awarded to Design for Performance graduate Liv Hutley, from an exceptionally high calibre of shortlisted applicants. The Academic Board, led from 2021 by Anna Tregloan, continues to oversee academic governance and support our learning and teaching staff to ensure NIDA’s quality assurance and educational outcomes continue to meet the highest standard. The wellbeing of students has also been a particular ongoing focus. In July, TEQSA, Australia’s independent higher education regulatory and quality assurance agency, designated NIDA one of the first three providers in the new University College category. In the same week, NIDA was named

among the top 25 drama schools in the world, and the only one outside the US and UK. These accolades recognise NIDA’s high-quality practice-based training, and its indisputable relevance to the arts and cultural community of Australia, and globally. The NIDA Foundation Trust (NFT) Board’s support of NIDA makes a fundamental contribution to the ongoing success of the school, and I would like to acknowledge their outstanding work. During 2021, 113 students received financial assistance through the considerable support from our dedicated supporters and donors. This support is vital in assisting the exceptionally hard-working fulltime students with living expenses and this is an important element in the achievement of their academic outcomes. I would like to thank our wonderful group of longstanding and new donors for their confidence in NIDA and investment in its future – your generous gifts provide a lasting legacy to NIDA and our students. We were also delighted to host the annual NIDA fundraising dinner in May after this event was sadly postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19. It was a wonderful success which exceeded our fundraising target, and we are very appreciative of this essential support as well as the hard work of everyone who put the event together. As the Chair of NIDA, I am privileged to serve with the Hon Richard Refshauge SC as Deputy Chairman and a committed and passionate volunteer group of artistic and professional directors who give generously of their time, wisdom, experience and networks. My thanks to John Robinson for his chairmanship of the Audit, Finance and Risk Committee, Peter Ivany AO for his leadership of the NFT, and all Board and Committee members for helping to steer NIDA through the challenges of COVID-19 and beyond. In 2021, we welcomed two new directors to the Board: Professor Claire Annesley, Dean of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture; and Catherine West who brings extensive corporate experience along with her knowledge of NIDA as a Director on the NFT Board. The Board farewelled directors Dr Sandra Phillips and Ian Collie during the year, and I would like to sincerely thank them both for their wonderful contribution. We are grateful to Ian for his ongoing advocacy as an industry supporter of NIDA students.

Finally, I extend my warmest thanks to all our students, staff, alumni, donors, industry partners and supporters – whose tremendous efforts and dedication will enable NIDA to continue to shape our culture and our great nation. Noel Staunton NIDA Chair

Images, this page: Burning (Photo: Lisa Maree Williams) Opposite page: Too Human (Photo: Maja Baska),