Celebrate with Purpose
In 2026, Elena is celebrating a significant birthday milestone.

In place of gifts, she have chosen to mark the occasion by supporting something deeply meaningful, inviting friends, family and community to donate to NAISDA.

This year also marks NAISDA’s 50th anniversary, making this a shared celebration of milestones, legacy and future impact.

It’s a gesture grounded in generosity, connection and a shared belief in the power of culture, learning and opportunity.

Why NAISDA
For 50 years, NAISDA has been a national leader in First Nations performing arts training, creating and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and wisdom through excellence in dance and performing arts education.

Each year, young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16–26 travel from across Australia to live and study full-time at NAISDA, committing to an intensive journey of creative, cultural and professional development.

Based on Darkinjung Country on the NSW Central Coast, with a national footprint connected to communities across Australia, NAISDA offers a unique learning model. Our nationally accredited curriculum extends beyond studios and classrooms to include real-world performance and production experiences in professional theatres, alongside industry placements with leading arts companies.

At its core is a model deeply connected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lands, culture and people, embedding the depth, diversity and complexity of Indigenous Knowings alongside a framework of contemporary arts education excellence.

Students learn on Country with Cultural Tutors and Knowledge Holders, train to the highest professional standards, and step into careers across the creative industries.

The Impact of Your Gift
NAISDA achieves exceptional learning outcomes, with completion rates nearly double the national average. Graduates go on to shape the future of performance, storytelling and cultural leadership in Australia and beyond.

But the impact goes further.

NAISDA empowers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to grow strong in identity, culture and voice.  We create pathways into employment, leadership and lifelong creative practice, strengthening communities and contributing to a more inclusive and representative arts sector and nation.

Be Part of the Celebration
By donating, you are not only celebrating Elena, but investing in the next generation of First Nations artists and leaders.

Your donation provides students with access to training, learning,  and wellbeing support, and the resources they need to succeed.

Together, we can continue to build Strong Lives, Vibrant Communities and Creative Futures.

Our sincere thanks to Elena for choosing to celebrate her milestone in this way, and to everyone who has contributed or is considering a donation. Your generosity directly supports our students and helps carry NAISDA’s legacy into the future for the next 50 years.

A Personal Reflection from Elena on Why this Matters to Her

“For me, this is not just a donation to a deserving cause or school in Australia. It is also a simple, direct and meaningful way of giving back and, in some small way, contributing to healing in this country.

I hope that one day we can not only walk together, but also move, breathe and dance together towards a better future;  with body, heart and mind connected as one.

I also hope this support honours not only those of us here today, but the many people and communities deeply impacted by historic injustices, forced removal and disconnection, and the ongoing trauma that still exists across our communities and nation today.” - Elena Villacorta Cortez