NIDA has announced The Balnaves Foundation as the principal patron of its First Nations program, with a donation of $530,000. This philanthropic commitment from the Foundation will enable NIDA to welcome more First Nations students and encourage and support them through their journey and study at NIDA.
The program includes three significant $90,000 Bachelor of Fine Arts scholarships for First Nations students, three 6-month paid internships, and funding for NIDA’s first Indigenous Elder in Residence over a six-year period.
This First Nations Scholarship will provide $30,000 per annum for three years, for three First Nations students one starting in 2022 and another in 2023 and 2024.
The student will also be matched with a First Nations Arts Industry mentor, support them with additional travel to home as required and provide an On Country experience during studies.
As a pathway into employment, the scholarships will conclude with a six-month paid industry internship for each of the recipients at the successful conclusion of their study at NIDA.
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 offer wellbeing support and mentorship to all First Nations students.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said: “We are hugely grateful for the generous support and collaboration of The Balnaves Foundation in creating this important next step in NIDA’s First Nations commitment and enabling more creative First Nations artists to undertake intensive learning, creative productions, be networked with industry partners, commence their employment, and at the same time have the mentorship of an Elder in Residence.”
The Balnaves Foundation is a private philanthropic organisation established in 2006 by Neil Balnaves. Hamish Balnaves (pictured) (son of Neil and Diane Balnaves) is CEO of the Foundation.
For over 15 years the Foundation has supported a diverse range of organisations with the aim to create a better Australia through education, medicine and the arts with a focus on young people, the disadvantaged and indigenous Australia.
For more information on The Balnaves Foundation go to www.balnavesfoundation.com