Sensible approach welcomed on Victorian College of the Arts
Simon Crean
posted Thursday, 22 July 2010
The Minister for Education, Simon Crean, today acknowledged the University of Melbourne’s response to the Switkowski Review.
Mr Crean said: “There has been a lot of community interest and concern in the future of the Victorian College of the Arts and I note that the response clearly acknowledges the importance of the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) as a great Victorian visual and performing arts school and goes some way to recognising its unique specialised teaching model”.
“I am glad that the University of Melbourne has taken a sensible approach in its response and has suspended introduction of the Melbourne Model for the VCA, pending the curriculum review, protecting the central nature of studio practice and talent-based entry”. Mr Crean said
“I also welcome the University’s commitment to continue its transitional funding support to the VCA and assistance to move to a sustainable delivery model” Mr Crean added.
Following representations from Cath Bowtell, Labor Candidate for Melbourne, Mr Crean has agreed to consider how the Federal Government can constructively engage with the issues raised in the University’s response.
“I know that Cath is a strong advocate of the VCA and has been working with key stakeholders, the State Government, and the community on this issue for some time and I look forward to hearing her advice on the best way the Federal Government can ensure that the important contribution of the VCA to the creative arts is maintained and strengthened” Mr Crean said.