Save Art in TAFE Rally

FUND ART EDUCATION IN NSW TAFE

TO: NSW GOVERNMENT

Campaign created by Penny Ryan

This petition of citizens of NSW brings to the attention of the NSW Legislative

Assembly the urgent need for maintaining funding for accessible art education

in TAFE. The cultural sector is an economic force, contributing over $30 billion

to Australia each year – the arts not only create jobs but also create

communities that are more vibrant, cohesive, healthy and innovative. TAFE in

NSW puts the ability to make art in the hands of people, without regard to their

age, wealth or background. TAFE provides hands on training that develops the

skills necessary for artists to succeed. TAFE art students go on to work in many

art roles across other industries – in museums and galleries, in community

health and local government, in entertainment and hospitality industries. Many

of them set up small businesses teaching, producing and selling their art. We

undersigned petitioners therefore call on the Legislative Assembly, the NSW

Premier, the Minister for Education and the Minister for Arts to recognise the

value of TAFE arts education to NSW and to ensure it continues to be funded at

viable levels that makes it accessible to all.

Why is this important?

On September 11 the NSW government announced that it would stop funding

art education in TAFE, leaving 4000 students without access to finishing their

courses in 2013, unless they can pay fees of around $6000 to $8000 per year.

TAFE Art courses are the main provider of art education in NSW, with many

prominent artists getting their first ‘hands on’ training in TAFE. As of January 1

2013, up to 30 art schools will begin closing their doors unless they find enough

people who can afford these fees. The government claims that art is not

vocational and that there are few job prospects for artists. But TAFE art

graduates are employed across many industries – as art therapists, as art

teachers, designers, in galleries and museums.

Organising the troops in The Domain ready to march on NSW Parliament House!

Art students as far as the eye can see!

The Save Art in TAFE Petition Artwork that was not allowed into the parliament forecourt

The Art Petition

13 books, 23 000 signatures

Carmel Tebbutt and John Robertson accepting The Art Petition

to be tabled and debated in parliament

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