home | news l

National Indigenous Dance College Faces Closure

22 April 2002 - The future of Indigenous youth who wish to embark on a career in the performing arts is being put at risk by the lack of interest being displayed by the NSW government.

The NSW government has continued to refuse to agree to the extension of the lease to NAISDA Dance College on its premises at 3 Cumberland Street, The Rocks.

"This college has been around for 26 years and offers to Indigenous youth the opportunity of making a positive contribution to society and the Australian economy" said the General Manager, Mr. Robert Jackson. "The success of Bangarra Dance Company, Christine Anu and many other high profile graduates of NAISDA continue to give credibility to this organization"

Notwithstanding the large amount of money the federal government has put into developing this national college, the NSW government will not agree with this lease extension or other options placed before it by the college.

For a number of years NAISDA has been in negotiation with the NSW Ministry for the Arts in obtaining a long term lease at suitable premises to base the College.

For more information contact

Robert Jackson,
NAISDA General Manager

Media release from: NAISDA

Further information: culture issues page - includes news index and external links