NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) appoints Liz Hughes as the new CEO

Australia’s pre-eminent performing arts school NIDA has announced the appointment of Ms Liz Hughes to the role of CEO effective December 2019.

In recognition of the rapidly transforming performing arts sector, the Board has selected a creative arts, and business qualified senior leader who brings experience across cultural programming, media industries, emerging technologies, and industry-linked creative education.

Liz Hughes comes to NIDA from the University of New South Wales as Director Creative Enterprise at UNSW Art and Design. Prior to that position Liz worked with the Australian Film TV & Radio School (AFTRS) for nine years as Director Partnerships and Development and Director AFTRS Open. Liz holds an Executive MBA and sits on the Board of the Australian Network for Art and Technology.

The Chair of NIDA, Noel Staunton said: ‘NIDA is one of our best export brands when you think of the impact and connections our alumni have gifted Australia. After seven years of leadership of NIDA Jenny Bott as Chair and currently CEO leaves NIDA in mid-December in excellent shape and Liz Hughes will build on the contemporary and collaborative strength of NIDA.’

‘I’m thrilled to lead NIDA and to build on its global reputation for educating generations of performers, creative leaders and storytellers. NIDA has been pivotal in creating and bringing to life our stories on stage, screens of all sizes and at live events. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to work with a talented team, the incredible alumni, an impressive Board, strategic partners and the next generation of creators exploring the gamut of the performing arts in all its guises’ Liz Hughes said.

NIDA will soon appoint an Artistic Director to work jointly with Liz Hughes to inspire and enrich the artistic scope of faculty and students.

Staunton adds: ‘As we roll into the third decade of this century, the pace of change and opportunity for NIDA students must be seized, and in Liz we have a very capable and experienced leader with first rate and first-hand experience in building greater relevance. At AFTRS she led the phenomenal growth of the Open Program and at UNSW she has been driving the Sydney Culture Network, undertaking business development to amplify creative technology research and bridging relationships between the university, industry and government.’