Victorian College of the Arts welcomes new Director

The Faculty of Fine Arts and Music at the University of Melbourne is delighted to announce the arrival of Professor Emma Redding as Director of the Victorian College of the Arts.

Professor Redding joins the VCA from the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the United Kingdom where she was Head of Dance Science.

Professor Redding joins the VCA at a particularly exciting time as it celebrates a hallmark 50th year of artistic excellence and innovation in teaching and research in 2022. The college, situated on the University of Melbourne’s Southbank campus, will soon launch a program of activity to acknowledge its strong partnerships and connectivity with Melbourne’s Arts Precinct and celebrate its milestone birthday.

“I feel incredibly privileged to be joining this vibrant and creative community at such a crucial time for the Arts sector,” Professor Redding said.

“The VCA is well-known for the quality of its artists and researchers, and for the commitment of teaching staff to nurturing the potential of every student. It is also an exciting time in the college’s history and I look forward to continuing the excellent work of my colleagues, building strong partnerships and a vibrant campus experience.”

"The pandemic has highlighted the importance of creativity to our societies, the crucial role the Arts plays in enriching lives, contributing meaning, and enabling expression. We now have a significant role to play in healing, rebuilding, and recovery,” Professor Redding said.

Faculty of Fine Arts and Music Dean Marie Sierra said Professor Redding’s appointment was “an exciting appointment at an important time for the Faculty and the arts sector.”

“We are thrilled that Professor Emma Redding will be joining us here at the Faculty. Emma brings a vast wealth of experience and expertise to the VCA and our vibrant Faculty community and will lead the VCA during a phase of great achievement and engagement.”

Originally trained as a dancer, Professor Emma Redding wrote the world’s first master’s degree in Dance Science for Trinity Laban in 2001. She has since played a key role in developing dance science as a recognised field of study through her research and international teaching, establishing the conservatoire as a leader in dance science education, research, and clinical services.

In January of this year, Emma was awarded an MBE for services to dance. She is also a founding partner of the National Institute for Dance Medicine and Science (NIDMS) and a former President of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS).