Arts educators call for national funding rethink

A newly formed alliance of Australia's senior arts educators is calling on both sides of federal politics to urgently support increased funding to the tertiary arts sector. The Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts inaugural President, Professor Su Baker from the Victorian College of the Arts at the University of Melbourne, said creative arts eduction should be a national priority.   - "Politicians should recognise the importance of arts to the national curriculum, to Australia's sense of nationhood and culture, and to the development of a vibrant 'creative economy'," she said.   - "And they should look at what our international competitors are investing in higher arts education. We are way behind their level of commitment!" -   - The Council was formed in Hobart in February and includes representatives from 22 Australian universities that teach art, dance, design, theatre, music, film and television, screen arts and creative writing. Professor Su Baker said the arts are an essential part of the creative industries, which is one of the country's fastest growing employment sectors.   - "With expanding digital media capacity, the NBN and fresh approaches to online education, it's crucial the Australian arts sector can compete on the global stage," she said.