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As we approach the end of the year, I want to speak directly to our members and community, and to offer a very sincere thank you.
2025 has been a year of change and transition at ISTA. Many of you have experienced the introduction of new platforms, new processes and new ways of working. I am deeply grateful for your patience, flexibility and goodwill as we have navigated these shifts together. Change is rarely seamless, and your understanding has mattered more than you may realise.
This year, we were delighted to welcome two new members of the ISTA team. Jodie Williams (Finance & Admin Manager) and Dani Sierra (Digital Content & Web Manager) have brought expertise, care and a fresh perspective to our work. Thank you to our community for the warmth, patience and support you have shown as they have settled into their roles. As our team continues to grow and as we prepare to welcome a new Event Coordinator in the New Year, we remain committed to improving the way we work so that we can better serve you and strengthen your experience as ISTA members.
I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary response we received to our recent call for an artist and educator trustee. The number of applications, and the calibre of experience, insight and generosity they represented, was remarkable. It was a powerful reminder of the depth of expertise within our community and the strength of support ISTA continues to receive. We are profoundly grateful for that trust.
ISTA is nothing without its community. Everything we do exists because teachers, artists, students, schools and partners choose to engage, contribute and belong. Your trust, your feedback and your continued participation are what give this organisation its purpose and direction.
Much of our work this year has focused on strengthening our foundations so that we can serve you better. Alongside investing in people and systems, we have launched an ambitious strategy for 2025–2030 that is already shaping our work and places community, access and long-term sustainability at its heart. In the first quarter of the new year, we will be reaching out with a community survey to hear how we are doing and where you would most value our focus next.
Looking ahead, we are genuinely excited about what lies ahead. As we build through 2026 and beyond, our focus is on bringing more to our members. More access. More connection. More support. More free events. And more value in being part of the ISTA community.
As we close the year, I wish you a restful and well-deserved break. Thank you for being part of ISTA, and for the care, creativity and commitment you bring to arts education around the world. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Warm wishes,
Mike Bindon
Executive Director, ISTA
