State Government gives arts education a multi-million dollar boost

27/02/00
A century of history was celebrated today (Sunday) when Employment and Training Minister Mike Board officially opened Central TAFE's $5.5 million Fine Art and Studio Ceramics Building.
The new, state-of-the-art facility, funded by the State Government, is part of the Western Australian School of Art, Design and Media, established in 1900 as Perth Technical School.
"This is an exciting leap forward for students and the arts community and a strong indication of the State Government's commitment to training in the field and its support of the industry at a grass roots level," Mr Board said.
The Fine Art and Studio Ceramics Building, in new premises in Aberdeen Street opposite Central TAFE's Perth Campus, has combined the art and craft programs from the Claremont School of Art and St Brigid's Annexe.
The opening will coincide with the launch of the WASAD Fine Art and Studio Ceramics Staff Exhibition - the first exhibition by Central TAFE lecturers in the new art gallery.
Mr Board said the Western Australian School of Art, Design and Media was an asset to the State - and had been so for many years. The new facility would help take the school into the 21st century with the best possible resources.
"This is the oldest art school in the State, yet it offers the most diversified tertiary art and design courses in Australia,"
he said.
"The Fine Art and Studio Ceramics Building is a major investment in the future of Western Australian art, incorporating new media into the curriculum and offering the State's biggest and most diversified tertiary art and design courses."
A purpose-built training resource, the facility features a state-of-the-art computer laboratory with Internet access for research, design and data recording, workshops and spacious studios.
It also houses an innovative art gallery and exhibition space to showcase local, national and international art exhibitions for students and the public.
The building is visually engaging, with artworks infused into its fabric, and has been designed to create a focal heart for the school with engaging open spaces and courtyards.
Local artists Jurek Wybraniec and Stuart Green have used the Aberdeen Street facade of the building as the site for two major sculptural installations.
Wybraniec's work titled 'Speed 99' is a locked 20 foot sea container painted 'Pink Pink'.
Green's installation is a reflective stainless and galvanised steel structure that doubles as a sun screening for the art gallery.
The opening is one of several events planned for Central TAFE's centenary celebrations throughout 2000.
Media contact: Tamatha Smith 9222 9211