Apology to art students after unrest

UNIVERSITY of Tasmania vice-chancellor Rufus Black has apologised to students at the art school after months of unrest — sparked by the unexplained suspension of two teachers.

In a meeting with students at the Hunter St school, Professor Black acknowledged “we have a lot to do to put things right” in the wake of the unrest, that included students petitioning for change.

Professor Black said he was committed to the school.

“We have a lot to do to put things right, and that we will absolutely do,” Prof Black told the closed meeting, according to student magazine Togatus.

The students’ concerns followed two teachers in the sculpture department being suspended roughly halfway through last year.

The university is yet to explain the suspension, other than to say an investigation is ongoing. This, along with concerns about staffing of technicians, caused 220 students and staff to come together to submit the Collective Concerns petition, which was lodged with the university in semester two of last year.

Professor Jan Hogan, head of the Arts Discipline at UTAS, said she had invited the vicechancellor to speak with the students at the beginning of the year. He held a meeting at the Hunter St campus at the end of May.

Fourth-year student Bo VanKastel said during her degree there had been multiple changes that impacted her studies, including the combining of some practical and theoretical courses. “Combining teaching of the different disciplines allows art students to expand their knowledge in a general way, but doesn’t allow for immediate specialisation,” Ms VanKastel said.

“The collective concerns campaign was to raise awareness about the lack of certainty for employment of technical staff and the unexplained absence of two teachers in the sculpture department.”

Professor Hogan said the school aimed to deal with concerns.

She said there would be an increase in the number of technician staff, a interdisciplinary curriculum that aimed to support the growing arts industry in Hobart, and exciting changes like the opening of the Hedberg building.

“Professor Black wanted to come and say that he’s heard there are concerns, but that we’re gangbusters and we’re going to support the art school,” Dr Hogan said.