NAISDA, Australia's leading national performing arts training organisation for First Nations people, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary - marking the milestone with powerful cultural performances and the launch of a refreshed identity created in collaboration with Aboriginal artist Uncle Jeffrey Samuels.
Held on Darkinjung Country at Kariong, New South Wales, the event united alumni, current students, Cultural Tutors, Knowledge Holders, community partners and arts leaders to honour NAISDA's founding vision and its enduring role in creative and cultural preservation for First Nations communities.
The celebration also marked two decades of NAISDA on Darkinjung Country, with Senior Cultural Tutors from the Dätiwuy Community in North East Arnhem Land and Moa Island in the Torres Strait gathering alongside Darkinjung Knowledge Holders to share culture and performance in a historic first.
"It is a deep honour to stand with you this morning as we do celebrate 50 extraordinary years of NAISDA," said Gary Field, proud Wiradjuri man and Deputy Chairperson of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council.
"It has nurtured generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and leaders, grounding them in culture while giving them the wings to stand on stages, not just in this country, but across the globe.
"NAISDA is proof of what happens when community vision is sustained by courage. It's a belief that collective pride prospers...it is with enormous pride that this legacy has been built, and it's the generations to come who get to walk through these doors that will have the benefit of the first 50 years."
A defining moment was the unveiling of NAISDA's refreshed identity, created in collaboration with Aboriginal artist Uncle Jeffrey Samuels, creator of the original Giddigool (Dancing Man) logo.
"Today, we are proudly launching NAISDA refreshed identity in collaboration with Uncle Jeffrey Samuels, creator of our original artwork logo, Giddigool, the dancing man and the Moon Man," said proud Jerrinja and Wandi Wandiaan woman and guest speaker, Shahni Wellington.
An enduring and much-beloved symbol since the 1980's, the Giddigool logo was redeveloped to better align with the inclusive values of modern-day NAISDA and carry that representation for the next 50 years.
"Over time, the logo has evolved in different ways, reflecting his own journey and reconnecting with Uncle, we understood that the Giddigool representation had shifted over the years from his original intent," Ms Wellington said.
"We thank you, Uncle, for the work that honours our founders, leaders and generations of students who proudly dance under this image. It reflects who NAISDA is today and into tomorrow as well."
Reflecting on the anniversary, NAISDA chief executive Kim Walker said the heart of NAISDA is its inclusivity and cultural purpose.
"That is what NAISDA does. It encompasses everyone. It brings everyone from all nations, from all walks of life, from all economic strands, together and gives them the opportunity to have the arts and culture as a career opportunity," he said.
"Arts and culture is not a lifestyle choice. It is part of culture. It is part of our country, and NAISDA is a part of the cultural fabric of Australia, and will continue to be part of the cultural fabric of Australia. And it will change Australia for the best.
As NAISDA looks towards the next 50 years, its refreshed identity promises to strengthen its commitment to cultural preservation and celebration for generations to come."
