SAVE THE VICTORIAN COLLEGE OF ARTS

http://www.savevca.org/index.html

VCA Endangered

The pedagogy of the college has for years been one of practice, following the belief that this is absolutely necessary to successfully training artists. Via this model, the VCA has produced some of the most recognized and celebrated artists ever to have been found on Australian shores.

Now, the University of Melbourne, who acquired the VCA in 2007 after the Federal Government decided to cut funding to the college, is planning to implement the Melbourne Model at the VCA in 2011. The Melbourne Model - with parallels to a failing European system - is a model geared towards academic, research-based subjects, a model which is unsuitable for the Victorian College of the Arts. The Melbourne Model, as it stands, can only lead to a dilution of arts training at the VCA.
No more dancers, actors, singers, designers, painters, sculptors, stage managers, film makers, musicians and puppeteers; only arts academics.

The Arts Culture in Melbourne, the nation's Arts Capital, hangs in the balance, and we're set on saving it.
If you love the Arts, and value its cultural contribution, read on, and join us in SAVING THE VCA.

Save the VCA - Absolutely!! 

I was there the second year it opened, I have international recognition because of the training
and the dedication of all the staff to their students.  Sure, it wasn't perfect... but neither were we.. that's why we were there. 

The VCA has given the world so many great talents from Australia that may not have ever reached potential otherwise. 
Yes psychology is important as are many subjects of learning, so the VCA should be encouraged to expand their resources,
but never not limit them under a failing draconian system. 






























The last time I can remember VCA students protesting was when Gough Whitlam (who gave us
the VCA) was sacked as prime minister.   I have the same feelings now with this news of restructure. 
If Australia became a better country for all concerned because of the removal of Gough Whitlam
then maybe I could see the logical reasoning behind this move. 
I do not... and I am sure I am not alone in this conclusion by the sheer evidence of results.

I was at the VCA in the 70's, it was the finest institution of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
My personal career has been long and hard, many highs and many lows.
Many awards and much recognition, despite my natural talent, without the VCA practical training
I recieved, my dreams of a life long career in performance would have been extremely limited.

I do agree that as artists we need to learn and understand the business side of things but not
at the expense of practical application.

Money or real education is not the issue, its all about who controls the future of artistic output.

They wish us to remain mute when we are the voice of those who cannot speak.
Creative people are the true inovators of mankind.

Silence us and you condemn the world to continue in ignorance and slavery.

For a world without drama, art and music will be a sad place indeed.

This must not happen!

Mykl Lozin
Director
Australian United Recording Artists