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The art students following a B.Ed. (Hons) course with the Faculty of Education are calling on the authorities for action, to help them in getting access to a room which they can call an art studio. Students explain that learning art without an art studio is similar, to learning to drive without a car.
This course is not being delivered as effectively as it could be and the present situation is creating extreme pedagogical and logistical constraints to all the interested students. It is not the intention of this letter to discuss the merits of Art in the holistic development of our children; however one should note that way back in 1999, by means of the National Minimum Curriculum, the country has taken commitment to see that all children should be given the opportunity to express their artistic inclinations as part of their formation in becoming fully fledged and responsible citizens. This whole issue is all a question of good management. As pointed out recently in the media, there are spaces at the University which can be adequately turned into an art studio. The authorities are aware of these spaces but art students have never been given a clear reply or offered a solution to their problem, to solve this pending issue for the good of both the university art undergraduates and all their future school students. This is not a matter of spending millions; but simply a call for better management, a call for people to take action. Art practice deserves more respect within the highest educational institution on the island.
Emanuel Bonnici
PRO, University Student Teachers’ Association
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