The National Institute of Circus Arts

Masters of the credible incredible.  

Setting the standard for the spectacular. 

WE ARE NICA. 

Located on the land of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, we provide a custom-built, creative learning space in Prahran that makes the extraordinary world of circus arts a professional reality for our aspiring young artists. With world-class training, technical innovation, research, and individualised skills development, NICA creates truly extraordinary, industry-ready artists. 

NICA is an internationally renowned Centre of Excellence based in Melbourne, Australia.  

Proudly flying under the flag of Melbourne’s Swinburne University, we provide tertiary-level, innovative education, training, performance, research, leadership and talent to the local, national and global circus arts industry. NICA is a member of the Arts8, Australia’s eight performance and screen high-level training organisations, and is funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Office for The Arts.

At NICA, we utilise our world-leading credentials to unlock and bolster pathways to the extraordinary.  

We’re an authority on the awe-inspiring and set the standard for the spectacular through our seamless blend of accredited training and exceptional talent.