We are a few months into the new year, and our students have begun to settle into their NICA life. The new year always brings with it a certain energy of exciting unknowns and unclaimed opportunities.

With her office uniquely positioned to offer a bird's-eye view of the training room floor, CEO of NICA Simona Jobbagy says, "It’s inspiring to see NICA buzzing with new talent, full of ambition and potential.”

The Bachelor of Circus Arts degree is the only one of its kind in Australia, attracting talent from across the nation. This was made possible through the new partnership with the Australian College of the Arts (Collarts), established in December last year as NICA's new education partner.

The new students hail from circus, dance, and gymnastics schools across Australia and New Zealand, standing on the solid training foundations from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus (NSW), Byron Bay Circus Arts (NSW), Women's Circus (VIC), Warehouse Circus (ACT), The South Australian Circus Centre (SA), Just Acrobatics (QLD), Jolletes Gymnastics Mandurah (WA), Wellington Youth Circus (NZ), plus many more.

In the spirit of new beginnings, NICA is pleased to announce the appointment of a new board that will help guide NICA’s vision and future growth. Their expertise, leadership, and passion for the arts will play a crucial role in shaping the next chapter of circus education and performance in Australia.

Taking on the governance of NICA are:
🔹 Bill Sweeney – Director & Interim Chair | Executive Chairman, Collarts
🔹 Sam Jacob – Director | Chief Executive Officer, Collarts
🔹 Collette Brennan – Director | Chief Executive Officer, National Trust
🔹 Darcy Grant – Director | Artistic Director, Gravity & Other Myths
🔹 Jonathan Burke – Director | Official Secretary, Office of the Governor (Victoria)
🔹 Jill Smith AM – Director | Australian Government nominee
🔹 Peter Barnard – Secretary | Quality & Compliance Manager, Collarts

NICA extends its gratitude to the outgoing board members for their long-serving guardianship of NICA and their important contributions to NICA’s journey.

Punctuating NICA's comeback story, the dates have just been released for some exciting projects and performances in 2025:

• 17 – 28 June: NICA's Third Year Ensemble performance
• Early September: Auditions for the 2026 student intake
• 8-10 October: The return of the Australian Circus Summit 'Out of Lines,' an unconventional conference addressing issues directly affecting the circus industry
• 9 - 13 December: Third Year Showcase