NEW TASKFORCE TO PLAN FUTURE FOR NATIONAL ART SCHOOL

Wednesday, 24 January 2007

MEDIA RELEASE


Education Minister Carmel Tebbutt today announced the NSW Government was terminating the Expression of Interest process for the transfer of the National Art School (NAS) to a university

“A taskforce will be established to provide advice to the Government on options to maintain the integrity of the School’s artistic and educational philosophy and enhance its long term financial viability.”

“Securing the School’s future will be the taskforce’s priority,” Ms Tebbutt said.

“The Government is committed to the NAS and its important role in providing first class training to future artists.

“This unique institution has a proud history dating back almost 150 years, providing an environment where artists of international renown have honed their skills and talents,” Ms Tebbutt said.

The Task Force will investigate and report on:

1. Options for securing the ongoing financial viability of the National Art School;
2. Options for the National Art School’s future governance arrangements including the possibility of establishing the National Art School as a stand alone educational institution;
3. Options for the use, including commercial use, of the under-utilised or unoccupied buildings on the site, having regard to the site’s heritage value.

The Task Force will be led by Sandra Yates AO, Chair of the Sydney Writers Festival and Chair of the NSW TAFE Commission, and include representation from the NAS as well as relevant government agencies, including Arts NSW.

The Taskforce will report on options for the future of the NAS by the end of the year.

“I am sure that students, staff and the artistic community will continue to support and promote this outstanding and unique institution,” Ms Tebbutt said.