QUT changes to arts courses trigger outcry

A bombshell review of QUT’s arts courses has triggered an outcry from industry figures who fear the worst from the recommendations.

QUT vice-chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil

Queensland University of Technology has released a bombshell review of its performing arts course, which recommends downgrading the dance degree to a minor and revamping drama and acting courses.

Queensland’s top creative minds and the student union have slammed the review, which made 21 recommendations about the university’s performing arts degrees.

The review comes after a 40 per cent drop in performing arts degree enrolments since 2019.

Drama Queensland president Scott Andrews said his organisation was particularly concerned by the recommendation that the university reposition its drama curriculum to focus on creative production, cultural leadership and arts administration.

“We feel that a focus on creative production, cultural leadership, and arts administration removes the emphasis away from the essence of drama – which is embodied learning through creating and enacting practical live performance,” he said.

“There is a danger here in making graduates less desirable for the workforce.

“Whilst these skills are important, they do not solely equip students for the industry and should be considered a minor part of the course rather than a major.”

QUT Guild education officer Erin Milne said she felt the university was using “big fancy words” for cuts and restructures.

“I just actually think what’s happened is QUT went ‘we’re not making quite as much money as we could be even though we already make you know millions of dollars a year, we could be making even more,’,” she said.

Arts advocates have lamented the changes.

“I think it’s a really terrible outcome and I think that it really shows where the university’s priorities are.”

National Advocates for Arts Education chair John Nicholas Saunders said what was happening at QUT was unfortunately not unique.

“We remain concerned about Dance at QUT being reduced from a major to a minor,” Dr Nicholls said.

“While we understand that student enrolments have decreased, QUT plays a vital role in training dancers and dance workers.”

But QUT vice-chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the recommendations provided guidance on changes which would “evolve our performing arts program”.

“QUT will consider the recommendations and work with staff and industry partners to develop an implementation plan, which will include further detail around changes which may be required to resources, curriculum and course structure,” Prof Sheil said.

“The terms of reference did not include staffing considerations and is focused on the future direction of curriculum and course structure to ensure the QUT performing arts areas can continue to help shape the Australian arts scene for decades to come.”

“The review has been shared with staff and other parties, including industry partners, members of the public, students and others who registered their interest throughout the review process,” Prof Sheil said.

“As a result of implementing this review, QUT will align its priorities in this field to recognise the growth of Queensland’s film and screen industry, the exceptional entrepreneurial mindset of our music creators and provide the scaffolding needed for the next generation of creative and cultural leaders.”

Originally published as QUT changes to arts courses trigger outcry