1 August 2014
Positive feedback on Arts Short Courses
Positive feedback and support from the community on their interest in new arts short courses based in Whanganui has
shone through in survey responses.
A survey circulated in June asking for feedback about arts short courses being developed by Whanganui UCOL collected
nearly 200 responses from members of the Whanganui community.
UCOL Deputy Chief Executive Clare Crawley said “It is clear there is a strong level of interest in and goodwill for arts
short courses in Whanganui from the wider community, and support for a broad range of arts electives.
“We now have a better understanding of how the courses can be tailored to best suit the community’s needs. Thank you to
everyone who provided feedback on the proposed short courses.”
The research indicated that the courses could suit people who want to up-skill in a specific studio-based art medium or
technique. Printmaking and book art, glass art, and painting were most popular, followed by photography, textile arts,
sculpture and other proposed mediums (life drawing, fashion, illustration, stop-motion/animation/puppet making). Video
and ceramics were most commonly suggested outside of the proposed subjects.
The research also showed demand for different modes of delivery; including the 16-week day and night options and
five-day block courses similar to the Summer School concept.
The importance of partnerships and quality teaching staff was also expressed by survey respondents.
“We are now working to confirm course content, fees, delivery modes, and facilitators so we can run the first courses
this year” said Steve Sorsby, Executive Dean of Humanities and Business at UCOL.
Mayor Annette Main says it is good to see recommendations from the Joint Taskforce result in actions and positive
progress for arts education in Whanganui. “The arts short courses respond to the Taskforce recommendation to consider
interim activities that support arts education in the community. They have the potential to also bring students from
outside the district, and be a feeder for a proposed new arts degree in the city.”
Course details are expected to be finalised in the next few weeks.
ENDS