PRESS RELEASE

8th December 2011

Design & Arts College announces commitment to Christchurch

The South Island’s only tertiary institute dedicated to design and arts education is going green, moving from Christchurch’s ‘red zone’ into two refurbished central-city ‘green zone’ buildings.

The Design & Arts College of New Zealand (D&A) and its 350 students have been in temporary premises since February’s earthquake, with its building in Worcester Street still off limits.

D&A General Manager Val Gyde says the move gives certainty to students keen to enrol in the next academic year starting in January, and confirms the College’s commitment to Christchurch’s post-earthquake reinvigoration.

“The achievements of this year’s students, given the disruption they all experienced, have been nothing short of amazing.

“We have had unprecedented challenges this year, and we must thank all students for their stoicism and patience, particularly as we still haven’t had access to the teaching resources and private effects left in the red zone,” she says.

“We can now move forward with certainty, and focus on a bright future which continues to fuel New Zealand’s important creative industry with highly talented designer and artists.”

“D&A students can see the opportunities ahead for them and for the creative industries in a city which has a real buzz on the cusp of unprecedented re-design phase.

“Students who graduated this year have been offered some amazing employment opportunities and we are so proud of our students’ successes,” says Val Gyde.

While the College is sad to have to leave the lovely art deco building in the red zone, the new teaching locations –Oxford Terrace and soon to be confirmed Tuam St – are exciting for staff and students: “D&A will be part of a new, vibrant city, and the new campus will provide a creative environment our students will thrive in.”

“In time, we believe this section of the city will become a creative hub including many of Christchurch’s major arts, cultural, and design facilities.”

All reception and non-teaching student services will be based in AEQ House on Cambridge Tce, directly opposite the Oxford Tce teaching site.

D&A is mindful of the part it can play in the city’s new dawn, and will continue to develop industry partnerships which can offer benefits to the local community.

“We have a fantastic new relationship with design store HAPA, which has just opened in the City Mall. We are proud to work with and support a local business, and at the same time showcase our talented students’ work.”

For students inspired to become a part of the city’s creative energy, D&A is accepting enrolments for the January intake, but courses for its more than 14 qualifications are filling fast.

D&A has courses across seven disciplines: Fine Arts, Contemporary Photography, Graphic Design, Architectural Design, Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Makeup Design and Production.

For more information on the D&A and its courses, see www.dac.ac.nz or phone 0800 508850.

Ends

About Design and Arts College of New Zealand

• The Design and Arts College of New Zealand, Christchurch is South Island’s only tertiary institute dedicated to design and arts education.
•
• D&A courses are designed and taught by industry professionals to ensure student success in the creative industries.
•
• D&A is New Zealand Government funded (TEC) and registered (NZQA).
•
• D&A prides itself in its close relationship with the industry, which also includes an Industry Advisory Group for Each course.
ends

© Scoop Media