The future of UK art schools has been thrust into the spotlight, with leading figures in the arts sector gathering at Central Saint Martin's to debate the value and direction of arts education. Ongoing funding cuts and changes to the school curriculum have created a perfect storm for the sector, leaving many questioning whether it can continue to thrive.
Professor Jeremy Till, pro-vice chancellor at University of the Arts London, laid bare the difficulties facing the arts in recent years, describing them as a 'crisis of capitalism'. He argued that art and design offer an alternative to austerity-driven thinking and called on art schools to adopt a more political stance, urging students to unite against what he termed a 'divide and rule' mentality.
Employability and practical skills were another contentious issue. Natasha Chetiyawardana, creative partner and founder of Bow & Arrow, shared her experience of leaving art school ill-equipped for the realities of working life, such as managing finances. Her sentiments echoed across the discussion on preparing students for a post-academic world.
The seeming apolitical nature of art schools was also raised. While universities like Sussex and UCL have seen student occupations, art schools appear to be lagging behind in terms of engagement. Professor Bauer suggested that the burden of tuition fees might deter students from taking on political activism, while artist and teacher Bob and Roberta Smith argued that 'really great culture' relies on diversity – something decreased accessibility threatens.
A recurring theme was the need for the arts sector to articulate its economic and cultural benefits more effectively. Sally Talent, artistic director at Liverpool Biennial, pointed out that much artistic activity takes place outside formal curricula, requiring a stronger argument for the economic value of art in society. Natasha Chetiyawardana described it as a 'PR job' to shift perceptions from seeing art as merely 'nice to have', to an essential component.