Community Input Plays Role in NorthTec’s Arts Offerings

(EMBARGOED: 08.30AM, 14 NOVEMBER 2013)

Media Release
14 November 2013

Community Input Plays Role in NorthTec’s Arts Offerings Review

Arts Centres of Excellence to be established in three locations across Northland

NorthTec has undertaken a review of the arts programme offerings at the Raumanga, Kerikeri and Rāwene campuses. We have been pleased at the level of community involvement in this review which has made it clear that NorthTec’s arts programmes are highly valued by students, graduates and the wider community.

The high number of community submissions during the review is reflected in the final decisions about our arts programme offerings. “It is important to acknowledge the strength of the submissions in response to the communities’ wish to maintain a presence of arts in the regions highlighting the on-going link between social and economic development and the provision of arts in these areas,” says NorthTec Chief Executive, Paul Binney.

“What is being announced today is the continued presence of Visual Arts programmes in Whangarei, Rāwene and Kerikeri, albeit at a reduced level. To make sure the programmes are financially viable, the programmes are subject to levels of enrolment numbers being received ahead of the start of semester one, 2014.”

Through the electives offered at the three campuses, Arts Centres of Excellence will be established. Current students will be able to complete their courses.

Kerikeri

Kerikeri will remain a hub for printmaking and painting with a Diploma in Applied Arts intake in 2015 and continuing on a yearly rotation. Students currently studying for the Bachelor of Applied Arts will be able to complete their degree courses; however NorthTec will not be accepting a new intake for the degree in 2014.

Rāwene

The Diploma in Applied Arts will be kept on a rotational basis in order to support the sustainability of the arts programmes. Transitional arrangements for current diploma students will be put in place. There will no longer be a Certificate in Applied Arts in Rāwene. An arts hub for 3D and painting will be established with these electives offered.

Whangarei

The Bachelor of Applied Arts will continue to be offered at Raumanga with set electives, which will make it a Centre of Excellence for photography/graphic design or 3D/drawing.

NorthTec will no longer offer the Certificate in Applied Arts, or the Certificate in Photography at Raumanga. Students in their second year can complete the Diploma in Video and Electronic Media with no further intake into that programme.

The changes will have an impact on some staff members; the details of which are currently under consideration.

ENDS

© Scoop Media