Dean's welcome

Welcome to the National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries, a respected centre for creativity, research and practitioner excellence at The University of Auckland.

Comprising the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, School of Music, the Dance Studies Programme and the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), NICAI is where creative, artistic and professional innovation thrives. The faculty offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes which reflects NICAI’s commitment to inter- and trans-disciplinarity, collaboration and entrepreneurship.

NICAI students have the opportunity to engage with leading scholars, as well as professional and creative practitioners in New Zealand, the wider Pacific and around the world. Our faculty enjoys relationships with a number of respected academic institutions and professional organisations, and many of our students participate in community-based events, international performances, competitions, and academic and professional conferences.

NICAI’s academic, creative and professional activities are underpinned by an understanding of, and commitment to innovation, exploration and excellence. The faculty recognises the need to balance practice with theory, ingenuity with research, entrepreneurship with collaboration. We strive to support students at every level as they work toward a qualification that is respected around New Zealand and overseas, and which can be the key to unlocking a vibrant and successful career in the creative sector.

NICAI’s website is designed to help you explore our myriad academic pathways, research- and practice-led initiatives, and professional and creative relationships. I hope you find it reflects the exciting and varied opportunities that exist both within and alongside the faculty.

Professor Jenny Dixon
Dean, National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries (NICAI)
The University of Auckland