The administration of Fanshawe College is suspending the 56 year old Fine Arts advanced diploma program, one of forty other programs being axed due to the provincial cap on international students. While a single year certificate program is still being offered, the second and third year of the program will be no longer available.

The full Fine Arts program is integral for students to learn key skills: professionalization of practice, applying for grants and residencies, and honing one's interests into a full fledged artistic practice. Additionally, students in these years exhibit both group and independent shows to add to their CVs at local galleries like TAP Centre for Creativity and Fanshawe’s own Siskind Gallery. This is essential for both practical experience as an artist and for getting the eyes of the public on their work to begin forming connections to further their careers. Students are able to showcase to the public what they’ve learned at Fanshawe, leading potential students to enrolling in the program.

Fanshawe's Fine Art program is integral to the London Arts community. It is the only place to pursue a Fine Art education at the college level in southwestern Ontario, making it accessible financially and location wise. Fanshawe Fine Arts alumni are heavily involved in the London community, featuring in both local and national galleries, shows and events.

We implore the administration to reconsider this decision, as it doesn’t just affect current students, but future students, Fanshawe alumni, and the London community as a whole.

This petition is available for anyone and everyone who wants to sign. There is also a separate petition, only for current, full-time Fanshawe students. The link to the student-only petition can be found here.