The Balnaves Foundation donates $ 530,000 to the NIDA First Nations program
The Balnaves Foundation has pledged $ 530,000 to NIDA’s First Nations program, facilitating three scholarships, three paid internships and funding for the institute’s first senior in residence.
The scholarships will provide $ 30,000 per year for three years to Bachelor of Fine Arts students, one starting in 2022 and the other in 2023 and 2024.
Students will also be matched with a First Nations Arts Industry Mentor, supported with additional travel home as needed, and will benefit from a “country side” experience while studying.
As a pathway to employment, the program will end with a six-month paid internship in industry for each beneficiary.
In addition to the scholarship program, and as part of the overall contribution to NIDA, the Foundation will also provide funding to enable an Indigenous Elder in Residence to provide wellness support and mentorship to all students. First Nations.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said, “We are extremely grateful for the generous support and collaboration of the Balnaves Foundation in creating this next important step in NIDA’s commitment to First Nations and enabling artists more creative First Nations to undertake intensive learning, creative productions, to network with industry partners, start their employment and at the same time benefit from the mentorship of an Elder in Residence.
“This incredible contribution will provide important opportunities and guidance from day one at NIDA.”
Hamish Balnaves, CEO of the Balnaves Foundation, said NIDA has a long tradition of training and developing future cultural leaders and is proud to share its vision and strategy for increasing First Nations representation in the arts and creative industries. .
“We believe this new collaboration with NIDA and the First Nations Program will have a sustained and positive impact that begins with students early in their training and continues as they develop creative careers.
The Balnaves Foundation is a private philanthropic organization established in 2006 by Neil Balnaves AO, supporting a wide range of organizations with the aim of creating a better Australia through education, medicine and the arts, by putting the focus on the youth, the disadvantaged and the natives of Australia.
In recognition of this opportunity, the application deadline for next year’s Bachelor of Fine Arts and Professional Degrees has been extended to October 29.