TRU to end fine arts program

SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

Thompson Rivers University has ceased enrollment in its bachelor of fine arts program, with plans to end the program in three years, prompting a petition from faculty to allow the program to continue.

Donald Lawrence, a longtime faculty member with the program, called the decision disappointing, discouraging and somewhat shocking.

“Depending on who you’re talking to, you’ll hear ranging stories about the program, either it’s not financially viable or a hugely successful program,” Lawrence said.

Lawrence, who has worked with his students inside and outside of the classroom, said the community is losing a program that has dispersed artists out in the community and across the world as ambassadors.

“I suppose if I’m disappointed or shocked about something, it’s that long legacy of success, which precedes me in the department,” he said.

TRU dean of arts Rick McCutcheon said the program, which includes visual arts courses, are being cut because of consistently low enrolment and financial pressures, citing higher costs than other disciplines.

“The resources that are going into this particular program far exceed, by an incredible amount, anything else we do,” McCutcheon said, citing a decade of “very low” course enrollment, which he said is unsustainable.

Lawrence acknowledged that enrolment has fluctuated and has dipped as low as four students in a year, but also as high as 26.

Despite the numbers, Lawrence said, the program has produced highly engaged and successful students, including artists who have gone on to show their work internationally.

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