Falmouth University Making A Hell Of A Boo-Boo. Protest Form Attached

[DTCwordfan]

For the artists and crafts folks in here, Falmouth Uni, one of our leading Arts schools is thinking of sacrificing their Contemporary Crafts Degree in favour of Gaming and Business.

This is an appalling proposition. It's disgraceful - even to think about it when it comes to being one of the supposedly core units for an Art school, never mind the rich heritage in pottery down here. Bernard Leach, the UK's greatest potter probably, is probably rolling in his grave.......

I've signed the petition below and commented as well.

Would you consider signing this too?

Lady J will be up in arms too when she hears about this, she being a ceramicist and potter.

Thanks in advance.

dtc

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/oppose-falmouth-university-closing-the-contemporary-crafts-degree

[lady-janine]

I am very sorry to learn that the course is finally likely to go. there has been talk of it since 2006/2007. I should not think it is likely to lack of applications as it was over-subscribed when I joined to do it for fun. it is quite true that the vast majority of graduates (I cannot speak for other years but suspect is the same) are unable to pursue any sort of career in arts. it may seem not to be relevant to the number crunchers but outside of full-time employment a lot of the people who graduated when i did still follow their dreams in heir spare time. because of the lack of employment opportunities most graduates need to have either bank of someone else (mum & dad; husband/wife; boyfriend/girlfriend) or a full time job. the main problem I could see with the course was that it gave a very thin and almost useless opportunity of knowledge on too many subjects and did not concentrate on depth of knowledge in any subject. it would have been far better in being split into at least three courses. it did not prepare (imho) any of the students for life as a working artist. not just for their art and craft work but also on how to go about setting themselves up, etc. more intensive tuition on fewer subjects would be an advantage. four of our tutors were only part-timers (one day a week and that was to cover all years) and it was almost impossible to get hold of them so thank goodness for the technicians who were, and I expect still are, excellent.

I am in touch with some of the other mature students both from my year and another year (we all have knowledge of commerce in some way or another) and the opinions I have expressed are an amalgamation of all our thoughts. a great shame this has happened. career opportunities, unless self-employed, are very few and difficult to obtain. I do not have an answer to this but would add that even taking part in a local craft fair can call for considerable investment on behalf of those offering their wares.

btw some of the employment undertaken that I know of: teaching (not art); serving in poundland; selling pasties; office clerk; acting as driver/roadie for little known pop group; life guard; postie; chiropodist; carer; working in a card shop; supermarket checkout; cleaner; hairdresser.

I hope this helps to make this more understandable.

[DTCwordfan]

Thanks for this, Lady J - How does one go about creating the revolution from within though - obviously change is needed to intensify the course, your suggestion of the three major components and the need to have a module/modules on the commercial aspects of being involved in crafts - which, from my perception, would greatly enhance the employment 'sell' too.... Given my own experience, I would even 'volunteer' to teach on that part.

In short, have you and your colleagues made your valid concerns and suggestions for improvement to the Dean/MD, whatever she is called, and her name I forget at the moment?

Thanks for the well-thought through contribution.

[lady-janine]

thanks for best answer.

yes we did try. at least two of us were student representatives on the student/tutors discussion group and also through talks with tutors including the senior tutor. we were generally told there was no more money, however if the cost of the course and materials needed, and leaving aside the cost of accommodation and food, etc., is taken into consideration the course does not offer very good value for money. the facilities in the department were generally good.

with regard to ceramics - throwing was not taught as there was no one to teach it and all ceramics were cast work. hand building was similarly neglected. there were two wheels tucked away in a corner of the workroom but I understand that these have long gone. there was terrific pressure on the technicians and the kilns they controlled and I fired all my work at home. this way I was in control of temperature and timing. I was very lucky in that respect. I should add the general standard of inspiration and design from the students was not lacking in any way.

[lady-janine]

I feel I should add that OH and I have been self-employed for years and although I kept quiet about that part of my life the tuition given on self-employment was not likely to keep anyone solvent for long.

[DTCwordfan]

Yes, I agree - I wouldn't survive on my cards etc from my drawings alone....

[Khandro]

Those interested in UK art schools may like to listen this evening (Saturday) to Radio 4, 8:00 pm; Brian Eno, Grayson Perry ask whether British art schools have become too much like conventional universities.