Being creative about the arts

June 27, 2012: - James Cook University’s School of Creative Arts will review its strategic direction over the next three months.

Head of School, Professor Peter Murphy, said that he hoped regional arts organisations and members of the arts community would get involved in the review along with the staff of the School.

He said that a draft plan, which has been prepared as a basis for discussion, suggested a number of major initiativesthat the School could look at.

“We are considering options for growth such as developing a photo-media major in Cairns and we have already had preliminary discussion about developing a photo-media space on the Smithfield campus,” Professor Murphy said.

Some of the suggestions in the draft plan include:

  • developing partnerships with TAFE to deliver its Diploma of Creative Arts;

  • restructuring degrees to provide greater flexibility;

  • winding down the Theatre and Performance majors;

  • expanding the “best of student work” exhibition program;

  • developing dedicated Creative Lab spaces for creative projects;

  • furthering the School’s Public Art activities;

  • developing degrees for delivery on the JCU Singapore campus;

  • expanding the research program;

  • taking in more global Study Abroad students;

  • offering more exhibitions in its gallery spaces;

  • developing an educational web channel; and,

  • increasing the digital arts instruction program.

The School of Creative Arts undertook a major shift in orientation in 2007 placing a strong focus on digital arts.

“The contemporary digital arts program we have introduced since 2007 has seen a significant increase in student numbers and demand,” Professor Murphy said.

“This is a continuation of that process as the technological advances we continue to experience mean that for students to have any future in the arts they need a strong digital background.”

Professor Murphy said that if after the review it was decided that any courses needed to be discontinued then planswould be put in place to allow affected students to complete their studies.

“Students come first and that is why we are determined to provide programs that offer definite graduate destinations orcareers.”

He said that the consultation with staff and the arts community would be conducted over the next three months with the intention of having a Strategic Plan in place for the next four years.

The draft plan is up on the School’s website (www.jcu.edu.au/soca/plan) and anyone interested in discussing it can email Professor Murphy at peter.murphy@jcu.edu.au

Contact: Professor Peter Murphy 0417 841046

JCU media: Jim O’Brien 07 4781 4822 or 0418 892449

Issued: June 27, 2012