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.
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.
NICA has entered into a new educational partnership with Collarts (Australian College for the Arts), which is accredited by TEQSA to offer the Bachelor of Circus Arts program and provides overarching academic and quality guidance and regulation.
Our VET programs will continue to be delivered in partnership with Swinburne University in 2025, before transitioning to Collarts in 2026.
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We rely on donations to enhance the educational journey of our students, supporting scholarships, sponsorships, the engagement of international directors, and the execution of impactful outreach programs. NICA is a not-for-profit organisation, proudly supported by: