Petition to Save the Bachelor of Art and Design at Southern Cross University

We, the current and past students of the Bachelor of Art and Design at Southern Cross University  wish to acknowledge the Arakwal, Widjabal, and Minjungbal people of Bundjalung Nation as the Traditional Custodians and knowledge-holders of the unceded lands where we live, learn, and work. 

On 30 October 2024, in a shocking ABC News article Vice Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin announced the discontinuation of all undergraduate degrees in Creative Arts at Southern Cross University, including our cherished Bachelor of Art and Design. Professor Carlin cited a "decline in demand" for creative arts degrees; however, enrolments in Bachelor of Art and Design have NOT declined. This raises critical questions about the rationale behind this decision and calls for greater transparency and accountability. Such a short-sighted move demonstrates a profound lack of understanding of the vital role that Creative Arts play in our flourishing Northern Rivers creative community, the largest in regional NSW. 

Penelope Benton, Executive Director of the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA), noted in a media release on 31 October 2024 that “These cuts will have far-reaching consequences for both the local and national art sectors, impacting regional NSW’s cultural vibrancy and the future of creative industries in Australia. The arts play an integral role in fostering cultural diversity, community connection, and economic resilience. Southern Cross University’s decision to cut these programs risks eroding the vital skills pipeline in regional NSW, reducing access to quality arts education, and stifling the future of regional creative industries.” 

As noted by Hamish Sawyer, Curator of Linden New Art Gallery, “The Northern Rivers has one of the most dynamic visual art ecologies in regional Australia, due in no small part to the art and design degree program. Without it, students will abandon the region for Brisbane or Sydney. The fact that so many artists choose to relocate to, or remain in, the region relies on the availability of tertiary education and a supportive environment for developing their practices.” 

This decision is a significant setback for our Northern Rivers community, particularly as we continue to recover from the catastrophic floods of February 2022. As Hamish further states, “Artists and art workers have been at the forefront of revitalising Lismore CBD after the devastating floods. Without them, the city’s decline would be even more accelerated.” The image of two hands holding a red heart above floodwaters, created by Bachelor of Art and Design alumni Holly Ahern and Eden Crawford-Harriman, became a powerful symbol of hope for a community in despair (see SCU article here). 

We call on all supporters of the Bachelor of Art and Design at Southern Cross University, the Northern Rivers creative community and anyone who supports the arts to sign this petition.

Join us at @SAVEourBAD #saveourbad to show your support and stay updated. Your signature will make a difference.

Thank you for your support. Please sign and share this petition NOW!

Read what Daniel Browning has to say: