Review of TAFE fine art education

The State Government is to review fine art education in Western Australian TAFE colleges to ensure it continues to meet community and industry expectations.

Artists, educators and students will be consulted in the review, which is to be undertaken by a committee chaired by lecturer and theatre critic David Hough.

Arts and Education Minister Kay Hallahan today said creative development was vital to WA's economic future.

"With the expansion of TAFE's fine art education courses and the construction of advanced new facilities, it is timely to reassess the direction of arts education in TAFE," Mrs Hallahan said.

Mrs Hallahan said the review would establish a philosophy for fine arts training in TAFE, assess resource requirements and management practices, and recommend ways to achieve closer ties with the arts industry.

"Specifically, the review will consider issues such as the importance of studios in fine arts schools, the balance of permanent staff and seasonally employed professional artists, the role of galleries in art schools and the value of advisory boards," the Minister said.

Members of the committee will be: Philippa O'Brien, a visual arts and theatre designer; Brian McKay, of the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts; Jenny Beahan, of the Department for the Arts; Mal Gammon, of the WA Arts Industry Employment and Training Council; and Tom Higgins, of the Central Metropolitan College of TAFE.

Mrs Hallahan said she expected a report from the committee within two months.