NSW: Vandals Cut TAFE Support for Fine Arts

The NSW Government’s recent decision to cut support of Fine Arts education throughout TAFE colleges will abandon many people with disability and their current access to art education statewide, writes Accessible Arts NSW.

The planned cuts also contradict the NSW Government’s own goals set down in the State Plan 2021.

The NSW peak body for arts and disability, Accessible Arts, condemns the move as one which risks the growth of a robust arts and cultural sector in NSW. “TAFE Fine Arts courses currently provide access to a quality arts education for people with disability to move into the creative industries”, says CEO, Sancha Donald.

The NSW Government’s abandonment of support to TAFE Fine Art courses will mean commercial fees will be charged from January 2013. “The withdrawal of support for TAFE Fine Arts education in NSW will affect many of our stakeholders who are on limited incomes due to ongoing disability support needs,” said Ms Donald. “People with disability often experience interrupted education and face barriers to employment within the arts and cultural sectors.”

Ms Donald highlights the recent announcement is also at odds with the NSW Government’s own State Plan Goal 27 which recognises the role played by the arts in community development:  ‘Enhanced participation in arts, sporting and recreation activities contributes to economic, social and cultural development across the State and delivers benefits to the community and the economy.” (NSW Government 2021 State Plan, Goal 27)

Accessible Arts calls on Premier O’Farrell and the Minister for Education, Mr Adrian Piccoli to reverse the decision given the long-term costs to a vibrant artistic community promoting the inclusion of all people with and without disability.