Leading arts, philanthropic and industry supporters deepen their investment in Australia’s next generation of creatives.
New Scholarships from Constellation Creatives Foundation and Acting Alum Sarah Snook.
In 2027, NIDA will provide $1.5 million dollars across 124 student scholarships, empowering the next generation of artists, storytellers and creatives to pursue their ambitions.
This significant investment is made possible by NIDA’s generous donor community whose vital support strengthens the future of Australia’s performing arts industry.
The Balnaves Foundation and ARA Group are continuing their generous support of First Nations students through major scholarships.
Tim Fairfax AC has significantly increased his funding of the Tim Fairfax AC Scholarships helping students in financial need from regional or remote Australia.
Netflix has boosted its support by funding two major scholarships for students who identify as First Nations and/or people of colour (POC) enrolled in the Diploma of Screen and Media (Specialist Make-up Services), covering course fees and living expenses.
New donor Constellation Creatives will provide a scholarship for an East Asian Australian studying a Master of Fine Arts in Directing or Dramatic Writing, with additional funding towards a post-course project, placement or international experience after the recipient graduates.
Founder Orion Lee said, “Constellation Creatives are excited to support a scholarship for an East Asian Australian studying a Master of Fine Arts in Directing or Dramatic Writing at the preeminent institution which is NIDA. NIDA has long recognised that diverse voices and fresh perspectives mean a thriving creative sector for everyone to enjoy. We are proud to be working with NIDA who are a vital part of training the future of creative storytelling and contributing to a vibrant and innovative Australian industry”.
Alum Sarah Snook (Acting, 2008) generously donated a scholarship at NIDA’s Raise the Curtain gala, to support an Acting student in financial need.
Sarah Snook said, “I was only able to attend NIDA due to the generosity of a donated scholarship, it seems only right to be able to pass on that good fortune to someone else. The Arts are the life blood of our shared humanity and it needs our support in fostering the younger generation to be able to participate and create for the better of our community.”
Zareh Nalbandian, through Animal Logic Entertainment, continues to provide major scholarships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or culturally and linguistically diverse students.
Trusts and foundations providing substantial contributions include the Bowness Family Foundation who have increased their commitment, the Campbell Edwards Trust, Federman Family Foundation, the Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foundation, Andrew Cameron AM and Cathy Cameron, the William Rubensohn Foundation, Penn Foundation, Cowled Foundation, Helpmann Family Foundation and Petersen Family Foundation.
Prime Video and Technical Direction Company (TDC) have also renewed their valuable support of major scholarships.
NIDA also welcomes new Foundation Trust member Sophie Curtis, whose generous donation will fund a scholarship for a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Directing or Dramatic Writing student commencing in 2027.
NIDA CEO, Liz Hughes said: “Every scholarship represents an investment in talent, potential and the future of the creative industries. We are profoundly grateful to our scholarship partners, whose generosity helps exceptional students to study at NIDA and realise their creative ambitions”.
NIDA’s scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors, trusts and foundations, corporate partners, and bequests through the NIDA Foundation Trust. To find out more about NIDA Scholarships and for a complete list, visit NIDA Scholarships.
To enquire about donating to NIDA and/or providing a scholarship, please email: [email protected].
Applications for the 2027 Scholarships open in late October and are available to applicants who progress to Round Two of the application process