The Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts (DDCA) is a representative body for the creative arts in the Australian tertiary sector, advocating the value of creative arts education and research not only to the sector, but also to society and culture more broadly. We acknowledge the 47 recommendations made in the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, published in February 2024, and from the point of view of the creative arts we are particularly encouraged to read the following important points:
- A tertiary attainment target of at least 80% by 2050.
The scaleability of creative arts teaching is not without its challenges, especially in studio-based disciplines. However, in order to increase student load in these disciplines, we look forward to participating in discussions about how we might develop new approaches to teaching and learning at greater scale, including how these innovations might be supported.
- A focus on tertiary education widening its participation to people who are First Nations, rural & regional, low SES, and those living with a disability.
This is an exciting and much-needed reform to the sector, especially in the creative arts where there can be geographical, physical and/or ideological barriers to participation. A move in the student cohort will also mean a move in the curriculum, affording us with the opportunity to explore more diverse approaches to art-making. This will also demand different approaches to teaching, meaning that for a sustainable and appropriate staff cohort, we need to now be looking to diversify our PhD cohort in preparation for this future workforce. In addition, we reinforce the centrality of the creative arts for prospective First Nations students, and note that the creative arts are a longstanding and especially important way into Higher Education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Financial support for students and a contribution scheme based on lifetime earnings.
It is no secret that for most creative arts workers, there will be challenges in lifetime earnings in the context of precarious work and an under-funded arts sector. We welcome this nuanced approach to funding and student debt, which underscores the importance of arts and culture to society, even if not remunerated in ways we imagine it should be.
- Fee-free preparatory courses.
Pathways into creative arts degree programs can vary, and sometimes are necessary to allow participation by those who do not meet ‘traditional’ academic credentials. We welcome the suggestion for preparatory courses to be federally funded, to ensure that those with a passion for creative arts are not discouraged from entering the tertiary sector. This includes the provision of preparatory education that is not always available at schools across the country, ‘squaring the peg’ of gaps in curriculum, especially in regional, rural and remote communities.
- Ensure Australia’s research capacity and capability has a high impact and is made use of as effectively as possible.
Creative arts research plays a critical part in the national research knowledge ecosystem, and there is great potential to elevate its status across all tertiary providers. In particular, we are keen to help develop a national framework for the evaluation of non-traditional research outputs (NTROs), especially in the context of the inherent engaged and impactful nature of this type of research. Indeed, creative arts practices can often be a critical enabler in the engagement and impact narrative.
The DDCA takes this opportunity to highlight the importance and value of the creative arts communities to society and culture, and in particular, the critical role that education and research play in this ecosystem.
The DDCA is keen and prepared to play a part in future policy making to ensure a thriving and well-funded creative-arts inclusive tertiary sector.
Signed, President & Executive Board Members
The Australian Council of Deans and Directors of Creative Arts
Craig Batty, President , University of South Australia
Jane Davidson, Vice President, University of Melbourne
David Cross, Treasurer, Deakin University
Kim Cunio, Secretary, Australian National University
Mia Lindgren, Member, University of Tasmania
Beata Batorowicz, Member, University of Southern Queensland
Vanessa Tomlinson, Member, Griffith University
Rick Chew, Member, Federation University
Clive Barstow, Co-opted Member, Edith Cowan University
Marie Sierra, Co-opted Member, University of Melbourne