Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch MP and NSW minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ms Leslie Williams have announced a $25,000 grant for the National Aboriginal and Islander Skills Development Association (NAISDA) Dance College’s ‘40 years of Footprints in Dance’ celebrations.
This funding was made available thanks to an Aboriginal Affairs’ cultural grant. NAISDA’s focus is the education and training of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people in dance and offers professional expertise in world class training facilities based in Kariong. NAISDA students are known as developing artists whilst they undertake training.
“We know that engagement through the arts can significantly enhance school students’ retention and attendance,” Mr Williams said. “We hope this grant will enable NAISDA to address these issues in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.” Providing a creative learning space designed to inspire their developing artists, NAISDA’s dance performance program is delivered by qualified trainers comprised of former principal dancers, respected choreographers, and cultural tutors from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“I recently had the pleasure of attending the NAISDA Dance College at Kariong and was delighted to see the enormous talent and dedication of the students,” Mr Crouch said. “I congratulate NAISDA on being a successful recipient of the grant announced by Minister Williams and hope this grant goes a long way to enhance their college”, he said.
NAISDA dancers have performed across Australia and internationally. The campus is located on Darkinjung land in Kariong.
Media release, 8 July 2015
Debra Wales, Office of
Adam Crouch