It has been brought to my attention that the Bachelor of Photography offered at Queensland College of Art is being reviewed on September 15th of this year.

There is the possibility that the result of this review could mean the full closure of the degree to any future students (existing students are able to complete the degree), or the integration of each of its majors into other degrees (Photojournalism into the Bachelor of Journalism, Photographic Art Practice into the Bachelor of Fine Art and Creative Advertising Photography as part of the Bachelor of Digital Media). But it is also possible that B.Photo can come through this review and remain a stand-alone degree. This is where I implore your help.

The Queensland College of Art has offered Bachelors in Photography since 1996, and the three majors offered now have withstood the test of time since then. That a single degree offers such distinct areas of creative and technical expertise, backed by talented and dedicated professional staff, is both priceless and utterly commendable. The opportunity students have to engage in an area of intense passion and interest as well as to interact with ideas outside of their typical frame of photographic/ practice reference is crucial to the success of the program as a whole. In a visual degree it is this integration of so many fresh eyes and ideas which pushes each individuals practice in such a challenging and supporting, inspiring way.

Photography is so much more than a talentless mechanical reproduction. It is so much more than pressing a button, or even creating a perfect frame. It is the application of mind, the understanding of light and sight, of art and science and politics. It is the language of the 21st century.  The need for high calibre visual practitioners is in no way lessened by the image saturated culture we live in, and perhaps it is that we are needed more than ever before. Photographs are so much a part of how we make sense of and attribute meaning in our world, and to dismantle a program that consistently produces high calibre visual practitioners seems inconceivable. 

I resolutely believe that the Bachelor of Photography should remain as a standalone program. If you share this opinion, I urge you to write a short piece to the Chair of the QCA Review Committee.  It only needs to be brief, but it should be clear in stating the benefits of a standalone degree in Photography for students, as well as the great benefit gained from mixing with those working in different photographic streams or fields. If you count yourself among the alumni, please also include a discussion on how this system of learning and teaching has brought benefit to you through your career and practice. Remember why you chose this degree, and not any of the countless others which merely offer photography as a major.

Thank you so much for your time and efforts.