Arts Hub, Richard Watts
4 July 2023

“The decision to freeze NICA’s 2024 student intake has also been criticised by Theatre Network Australia (TNA) in a statement released on Monday 3 July.

‘TNA is calling for Swinburne University to reverse its decision to pause NICA enrolments for 2024, allowing time for NICA staff to work with the Victorian Government to develop a plan to retain this valued resource for the Australian circus sector,’ said TNA Executive Director Nicole Beyer.

‘The National Institute of Circus Arts is a unique institution, and currently the only circus training provider that provides a HECS-supported Bachelor level qualification, addressing barriers to entry into a professional career. As with any tertiary study it allows students to build skills and connections, and initiate collaborations they carry into the wider industry both nationally and internationally, where Australian circus artists are acknowledged as punching well above their weight.

‘Australian circus artists have faced devastating setbacks in the past few years, and we acknowledge the loss of NICA would likely result in a further exodus of circus professionals out of Victoria and overseas, which would be a huge loss for the Australian arts sector,’ Beyer said.”

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