James Cook University is proposing to axe creative majors in Cairns and Townsville

The region’s only university major in creative arts might not be offered next year, following proposed cuts at James Cook University.

Cairns artist India Collins. Picture: Brendan Radke

The region’s only university major in creative arts might not be offered next year, following proposed cuts at James Cook University.

A JCU spokeswoman confirmed a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Design and Creative Arts was on offer at the moment at the Cairns and Townsville campus but would no longer enrol new students in either city according to a proposal earlier this year

“The proposal is that no new places will be offered in 2024, but currently enrolled students will be able to complete their studies,” she said.

A consistent decline in student enrolments in the course over a number of years and a lack of financial viability were cited as reasons for the proposed changes.

Cairns-based contemporary artist India Collins called it a “disheartening” development but said the gradual culling of creative courses had begun long before, recalling her days as a student in the arts at JCU 10 years ago.

“We value the arts, we expect to see it in festival format, at art galleries and as performances to attend but are not prepared to invest in artists who need to learn the skills,” she said, adding that it would have a direct impact on the arts community.

Cairns artist India Collins wants to see a viable future for creative industries in Far North Queensland, and says that funding for the arts should be increased by all levels of government. Picture: Brendan Radke

Cairns in particular, had a “strong and buoyant” art scene with a certain appeal being a fairly well connected regional area but lack of a core creative studies course would dilute the scene, she said.

“Without artists studying, learning and collaborating with local community arts programs and galleries, we will be bringing in artists from outside and won’t be supporting local,” she said.

Networking and collaborating opportunities would be diminished as well and with two campuses discontinuing the course and anyone with dreams of a formal creative education would need to travel south to Brisbane, impacting families in the long run, she added.

“The arts are broad, not vocational – you need a great entry point for those who don’t know where to start, who do it for the love and passion.”

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academy Professor Marcus Lane said the proposed changes were regrettable but provided assurance that JCU would not relinquish its role in creative arts in the region.

“We will seek to remain actively engaged with regional art organisations, playing our part in promoting the arts, and actively identifying future collaboration opportunities,” he said.

“We will continue to provide a broad range of disciplines in the humanities.”

The change proposal in mid-August was the beginning of a rigorous three-week program of consultation where the university received 95 submissions of feedback, letters of support, questions and suggestions.

Originally published as James Cook University is proposing to axe creative majors in Cairns and Townsville