NAISDA Dance College by Jan Wells

NAISDA D A N C E

CHANGING THE SHAPE O F I N D I G E N O U S C R E AT I V E LEARNING IN AUSTRALIA

C O L L E G E

“NAISDA DANCE COLLEGE IS A PLACE WHERE WE DANCE TO TELL THE STORIES T H AT C A N N O T B E T O L D U N L E S S W E M O V E ”

WHO WE ARE From a six-week workshop at the Black Theatre in Redfern in 1975, to becoming the national cultural learning institution we are today, NAISDA Dance College is Australia’s elite registered training organisation offering full-time, nationally-accredited education and qualifications in Dance and Performance for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Whilst at NAISDA, our students are known as Developing Artists. Auditioning from across Australia, sometimes from some of our country’s most disengaged or disadvantaged backgrounds, they leave home, family and friends from as young as 16 to enrol at our campus on Darkinjung Land at Kariong, Central Coast, New South Wales. Our world-class expertise in cultural and creative training not only gives our Developing Artists the skills, qualifications and confidence to pursue professional career pathways, it also plays a considerable role in transformational empowerment and self-determination of our young Indigenous people. NAISDA’s graduates are recognised leaders in their disciplines and go on to make significant contributions to Australia’s cultural, artistic, economic and education landscape. Bangarra Artistic Director Stephen Page OAM is a NAISDA graduate, as is Christina Anu and many more of our country’s acclaimed performers and artists. Our exemplary education completion rate is more than triple that of the national Vocational Education and Training average for Indigenous students, whilst our retention rates are equally high, and consistently above 90%. NAISDA is a member of the Australian Government’s elite ARTS8; a national peak body comprising just eight of our country’s premier arts training organisations, recognised as supporting Australia’s thriving creative economy. As the birthplace of Australian contemporary Indigenous dance, NAISDA is the parent and precursor of two International Dance Companies, including the ubiquitous and highly-acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our training and creative work. As finalists in the 2017 Telstra Business Awards, we were proudly recognised as one of Australia’s most inspiring and entrepreneurial businesses/charities.

WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE OVER 40 YEARS SHAPING AND SHARING OUR WORLD’S OLDEST LIVING C U LT U R E S T H R O U G H D A N C E

Connection to our Indigenous lands, cultures and people is the foundation of everything we do – our vision, values and philosophy. We have shaped and performed at our nation’s milestone events (including the 1972 Aboriginal Tent Embassy, 1988 Bicentenary and 2000 Olympics) and play a key role in affirming Australia’s unique international image by sharing stories and performances with audiences around the world.

Transcending this, is our global and historic responsibility to keep the continuum of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures alive. The true significance of our work extends beyond the spotlight of the world stage and resonates most profoundly on a personal level. Our learning programs are informed by powerful partnerships with Elders, Cultural Tutors, onsite cultural residencies, Indigenous communities

and networks extending across Australia. Our cultural and creative learning is predicated on the generous sharing of their personal stories, histories and knowledge. The authenticity of these inherent Indigenous Knowings* provides an unparalleled learning support environment of connection, trust and affirmation for our Developing Artists.

Our success and achievements are directly attributable to this unique, holistic learning support model, which also comprises onsite campus accommodation, a homestay program for our youngest Developing Artists, physical and emotional wellbeing support, injury support, language, literacy and numeracy education, life skills development and counselling services. *Cultural knowledge which is activated and embedded through experience.

WHO BENEFITS AND HOW Our longevity reflects our success and evolution. We are confidently stepping into our fifth decade of empowering Australia’s Indigenous communities, performers and artists. We are proud of the national contribution we make – economically, socially, culturally and creatively; building on principles embodied in our Government’s Empowered Communities and Closing the Gap visions.

However, the true measurement of our success is the impact we make in young people’s lives across Indigenous Australia. We graduate more than just dancers. We foster a connection to culture. We provide a unique space in which our young people can safely experience their own worth, feel the power of accomplishment, self determination and pride in personal and cultural identity. We equip them to pursue professional careers and become Australia’s next generation of cultural and creative leaders.

“NAISDA DECONSTRUCTED ME. I T G AV E M E A R E A L S E N S E O F P R I D E I N MY INDIVIDUALITY AS AN INDIGENOUS P E R S O N A N D M Y C U LT U R E ” Travis De Vries, NAISDA Graduate, Programming Assistant – Sydney Opera House and Former Bangarra Dance Theatre Artist

OUR IMPACT

150%

20% Professional company performer

30% Cultural dance performer or teacher

All NAISDA diploma graduates since 2010 are actively engaged in activities related to their studies

3.3% Independent dance teacher

STUDENT ENROLMENTS

30%

have increased by 150% over the last ten years

Independent dance artist

93%

3.3% Non-dance sector employment

13.3% University or other form of study

STUDENT ATTENDANCE RATE

Direct education opportunity and sustained employment outcomes for over 1,400 graduates and alumni since NAISDA was first established

a 19% increase over the last ten years

LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS WITH OVER 15 REMOTE COMMUNITIES NT

through NAISDA‘s Cultural Residency Program and 10,000 p.a. participants through NAISDA’s outreach programs

NATIONAL FOOTPRINT

6.5%

19.5%

Developing Artists’ state of origin (2016)

84%

COURSE COMPLETION RATE

The national average for equivalent courses across Vocational Education & Training is 38%. For Indigenous Australians, this figure drops to 25%

6.5%

QLD

2.2%

NSW

56.5% VIC

4.4% DEVELOPING ARTIST GENDER

Member of the Australian Government’s elite ARTS8 and a member of

BARANG REGIONAL ALLIANCE

FINALIST in the 2017 Telstra Business Awards

41% 59%

which leads Empowered Communities for the NSW Central Coast

ACT

4.4%

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

1972

1976

Aboriginal/Islander Skills Development Scheme (AISDS) established by Carole Y Johnson in response to Arts Council of Australia (Federal Government)

First Trust Deed signed with the Arts Council of Australia 1975 6-week training course sponsored by the Aboriginal Arts Board (now the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board of the Australia Council)

AISDS formed an affiliation with the Sydney College of the Arts (SCA) (which allowed SCA to receive funds to be received on behalf of AISDS

VISIONARY MILESTONES

AISDS became an incorporated body as the National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association. Funds could now be received directly by the organization

AISDS ‘Careers In Dance’ registered as an approved course by the NSW Higher Education Board

1995 Courses and teaching program developed and refined culminating in a full Diploma Course

1982 NEAT Scheme extended to a two year extension of the ‘Careers In Dance’ course. Courses were recalibrated by AISDS to be a two year Certificate Course followed by a three year Associate Diploma Course

STATE OF ORIGIN (2011-2016)

DEVELOPING ARTISTS (1972)

TAS

ACT

VIC

Residency Program with Aboriginal an

Established at: Cope Street, Redfern

1976 Relocates to: Bodenweiser Dance Centre, Broadway

1975

Carole Y Johnson’s 1972 idea of urban Indigenous dance form realised in workshop and ‘Careers in Dance’ program

1966

1994

1977

Relocates to: Millers Point

Relocates to: St John’s Church, Glebe

1995 Relocates to: Cumberland St, The Rocks

1976

GOVERNANCE & BUSINESS

1988

1981

AISDS initiated an additional one year job training program for graduates of the three year course funded by the Commonwealth Department of Youth and Employment, NEAT Scheme

1975

1986

199 1989 1988

1976

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Skills Development Association

Aboriginal / Islander Skills Development Scheme Trustees sign deed with Arts Council Australia

$58,467

TURNOVER

1967

Aboriginal Islander Dance Theatre (The Company) under the direction of Raymond D Blanco established 1989 Bangarra Dance theatre established by Carole Y Johnson under the direction of Raymond Sawyer

$958,532 1992

1977 1972

Referendum

Aboriginal Tent Embassy

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

Aboriginal Arts Board and Commonwealth Department of Education support the ‘Careers in Dance’ program

1979

‘Careers In Dance’ commenced as first project initiated by the AISDS as a 3 year unaccredited course in dance and related fields, recognised by the Department of Education. Students were eligible for full benefits under the Department’s Aboriginal Study Grant Scheme (now ABSTUDY)

DEVELOPING ARTISTS

1977

First international tour

1975

1977

6-week workshop funded by the Aboriginal Arts Board

‘Careers in Dance’ funded as an on-going program 1975 ‘Careers in Dance’ funded by the Aboriginal Arts Board

Mabo decision

1988 Australia’s Bi-centenary

1979 Aboriginal/ Islander Skills Development Scheme (AISDS) affiliates with Sydney College of the Arts to receive funds on behalf of AISDS

1988 After incorporation NAISDA receives funds directly from the Australian Government

1992 Redfern Statement

1990 Australian Government monitors NAISDA expenditure on a monthly basis 1990 Australian Government funds NAISDA on an annual basis and supplementary funds received from State and Federal Government Departments

THE NAISDA TIMELINE

WHAT’S NEXT?

2006 New Nationally accredited courses – Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma of Careers in Dance

2010 New Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma Courses (Careers in Dance, Community Dance Practice (CDP) and Professional Dance Performance on scope. CDP not delivered due to funding constraints)

2009 The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Skills Development Association becomes a Company Limited by Guarantee – NAISDA Ltd

2013 Horton Technique introduced

2017 Certificate II discontinued, new Certificate III course and existing Cert IV and Diploma courses delivered

2018 Delivery of new Certificate IV, Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses

GRADUATES EMPLOYED 87% FURTHER STUDY 13% (2010-2016)

145

NSW

QLD

1,400

DEVELOPING ARTISTS (2016)

nd Torres Strait Islander Communities

2007

2026

NAISDA moves to Darkinjung Land, Mt Penang Parklands NSW

996

Naya Wa Yugali (We Dance)

2006

2016

2026

2009 2017

NAISDA Ltd (Company Ltd by Guarantee)

2003 Patrick White Bequest

2016

2014

2016

NAISDA Foundation established

74% Course Completion rate

Joanne Harris Scholarship Fund established

Finalist Telstra Business Awards

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

10,000 PARTICIPANTS PER ANNUM

$1,159,222 2000 Sydney Olympics

$2,396,086

$3,438,381

2008

2017

Apology to the ‘Stolen Generations’

Uluru ‘Statement from the Heart’

2013

2016

Australian Government initiated

Australian Government initiates second multi-year funding agreement (2016 - 2022). Supplementary funds received from State and Federal Government Departments

first multi-year funding agreement (2013 - 2017) with a minor uplift. Supplementary funds received from State and Federal Government Departments

2017 INCREASED WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO NAISDA PROPOSED

NAISDA participated, performed or protested in event

SUPPORTING A SHARED VISION After a 40-year period of growth, we have reached a pivotal point in our development. Our current campus is operating at capacity, inspiring us to embark upon a bold, new direction. We are changing the future of Indigenous Creative Learning in Australia by building a major Cultural Learning Centre for International Indigenous Creative Study. Australia’s new international cultural hub will be constructed adjacent to our current campus to align with our demand, success and ambition. It will be called Naya Wa Yugali meaning ‘We dance’ in Darkinjung language.

This next chapter in our story will: • Make NAISDA accessible to even more young people. • Broaden and increase NAISDA’s learning and career outcomes. • Extend opportunities for national and international cultural research, discourse, study and performance. • Strengthen engagement with our remote and regional communities. • Provide an exceptional repository of Indigenous Cultural Learning for all Australians. • Above all, transform the lives of more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We have a target of $35 million and our ambitious vision is underway. However, making this sort of impact relies upon relationships; with Government, Trusts and Foundations, businesses, individuals, sponsors and philanthropists. When Developing Artists join NAISDA, we make a pledge; to invest in them, in their futures and demonstrate to them that they are worthy of such investment.

We invite you to become part of our ongoing pledge. With your support and investment, we will secure NAISDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for Naya Wa Yugali and globally transform the shape of Indigenous Creative Learning.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE

POWERFUL THAN AN

IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME

For more information about NAISDA Dance College, or how to support, please contact: NAISDA Head of Fundraising jan.wells@naisda.com.au | (02) 4340 3154 General enquiries: (02) 4340 3100 NAISDA Dance College Proudly Dancing on Darkinjung Land 31 The Avenue, Mt Penang Parklands Kariong NSW 2250, Australia PO Box 7103, Kariong, NSW 2250, Australia