ACUADS Newsletter

April – September 2006

The ACUADS Newsletter is an ad hoc publication from the Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools. It aims to communicate information about activities of the Council Executive, research interests and events and activities related to the visual art and design sector.

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1. ACUADS Chair's Conference Report – Thinking the Future: Art, Design and Creativity

Su Baker, Head, School of Art, Victorian College of the Arts

The 2006 Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools Conference Thinking the Future: Art, Design and Creativity celebrated 25 years of successful advocacy for the tertiary art and design sector. It was a new opportunity to do what artist and designers do best, to observe the environment, evaluate the scale and dimensions of the problem and set about dealing with the challenges; to think creatively and to imagine the future.

The Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools (ACUADS) was established in 1981 (initially as the National Conference of Heads of Arts and Design Schools – NCHADS) as an association of heads of departments, schools and colleges of art and design. NCHADS served as an informal link between executive officers providing support and direction to the development of art and design education in Australia for more than ten years. The change of name in 1994 to ACUADS was intended to reflect the location of art and design schools in the National Unified System of Australian Universities. In 2003, membership was extended to include other major TAFE institutions offering degree courses.

ACUADS has taken a leading role in advocacy. It has grown with the sector, helped to consolidate the place of tertiary art and design education and research in the Higher Education sector and contributed to managing the changes that have been visited on the Schools and their staff and students over the last 25 years.

On this 25th Anniversary year the effort of ACUADS is again being called upon to help shape the new intellectual and artistic environment for tertiary art and design education. We face the challenges of the shrinking budgets and growing costs, of an increasingly competitive public/private mix of education providers; the increasing pressures of students who struggle to juggle part-time work and full-time study and of course the demands from government that weigh heavily on the Universities with which we are now, in most part, an integrated part. The nature of contemporary art and design itself has gone through considerable change as would be expected over these culturally dynamic 25 years. Not only are the disciplines themselves evolving, but how artists work and how their work is received, consumed, engaged with, is now greatly developed and diversified.

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Through the introductory session Setting the Scene on Day One of the conference, at the VCA, University of Melbourne, we heard from Denise Chalmers, Director, Carrick Awards and Fellowships Schemes, The Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education on 'What can the Carrick Institute do to help you achieve your vision of learning and teaching in Art and Design'. The Carrick Institute has much to offer the sector and they are keen to assist the creative arts to establish greater strengths in the delivery of the learning experience to students.

We also heard a report back from UNESCO, held this year in Lisbon, from Professor Elizabeth Grierson, Head, School of Art, RMIT University and Professor Bernard Hoffert, Associate Dean External Affairs and Associate Dean Graduate Studies, Faculty of Art & Design, Monash University, chaired by Associate Professor Robyn Stewart, Executive Member ACUADS and Head of Visual Arts, University of Southern Queensland.

The ongoing expansion opportunities and challenges for our sector in the increased engagement with Research and Research Training was a theme of many discussions at the conference. ACUADS has been contributing to this debate for the past 15 years and continues to drive the increasing acceptance and recognition of the value and research capacity of the creative arts. There was much discussion about potential projects to evaluate the standards of the creative arts PhD and there was a will to seek support to undertake such an exercise. Associate Professor Anne Marsh and Associate Professor Su Baker discussed their recent involvement with DEST working parties on the metrics for quality and impact in research in the creative arts.

Professor Ted Snell, Professor of Contemporary Art and Dean of Art, John Curtin Centre, Curtin University of Technology, presented on the increasingly important issue of public engagement or knowledge transfer as expressed through the universities' art galleries and museums and the critical role that exhibition and critical writing on contemporary arts play in the building of new knowledge and understanding with a broader public focus.

Reporting on the pre-conference CHASS-sponsored workshop on the Creative Arts and the Research Quality Framework (RQF), Emeritus Professor David Williams reinforced the important revival of the coalition of interests with our peak body colleagues in the creative arts fields. Colleagues from Music, Film, Theatre, Dance and Creative Writing peak bodies came together to discuss a unified approach to the engagement with the RQF process. Following these discussions an article by Huib Schippers, published in the Australian newspaper on 4 October 2006, elegantly outlined the key matters for our sector.

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The four thematic roundtables of Wednesday afternoon offered opportunities to focus on the structural and management imperatives and pressure on Schools in the sector; an examination of the cross sector relationships between University and TAFE providers; the shifting imperatives of learning, teaching and research in the conceptually and technically volatile area of Photomedia and the particular role and character of art history and theory teaching in art and design schools.

The first Keynote address, hosted by the Faculty of Art & Design at Monash University on Day Two of the Conference, was presented by The Hon. Mr Peter Garrett AM MP, Labor Member for Kingsford Smith and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Reconciliation and the Arts. His topic was 'Today's Philistine'. His passionate and well-articulated position was widely publicised in the press the following day. Peter Garrett's contribution to the conference mood was greatly appreciated.

The second Keynote shifted to a more reflective tone with Gregory Burgess with his lecture 'The Multiplicity of the Whole', which focussed the attention on professional practice and public engagement.

The Conference Dinner was an occasion to present awards and to honour the achievements of outstanding colleagues and in this case also to acknowledge the retirement of Emeritus Professor David Williams, recently retired as Director of the Canberra School of Art, after 20 years, and now a Distinguished Visiting Fellow, The Australian National University, Research School of Humanities and Chair, ANU Visual Arts Foundation Fellowship Awards Presentation. David presented to the group a personal reflection on the history of ACUADS over its 25 year life. This was of great interest and caused amusement to many, some who had travelled the course and others to whom this history is new. David's significant contribution to this history was acknowledged by his receiving ACUADS' highest honour, the ACUADS Fellowship Award.

Day Three of the Conference came and we were introduced to the remarkable work of Lebanese artist and film maker, Jalal Toufic, which provided us with a timely reminder that we are all in the service of art and design work, and conferences such as these should not lose sight of the importance of showcasing the work itself.

The parallel sessions over Days Two/Three were an important opportunity for us to hear of the richness of research being undertaken in our Schools and Colleges. It was an opportunity for established and emerging researchers to present their work to peers and for the breadth of perspectives to be seen and heard. These papers will be refereed and published on the ACUADS web site before the end of 2006.

ACUADS thanks all participants and the organising committee for another successful conference.

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2. ACUADS Executive Meeting 16 June 2006

The ACUADS Executive meeting held at the Caulfield Campus, Monash University, Melbourne on 16 June considered the following agenda items:

Executive Membership
The meeting noted that as the AGM was due to be held in September and as some members' terms will expire, no further action will be taken at this time.

Deans of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (DASSH) Group Application: Art/Museum Collections
Professor Williams said that there was nothing further to report on the DASSH proposition of a stocktake of Art/Museum Collections at this time, but noted that such a project had the potential to enable ACUADS to forge an important alliance with the University sector's museums and galleries.

Research –Visual Art & Design Metrics
Associate Professor Baker reported that she and Dr Anne Marsh had been invited to be involved in a DEST committee, 'Technical Working Party – the Metrics for Impact', and that this committee will report back to the Minister in August 2006.

The meeting discussed the nature of these committees and the disciplines represented. Dr Marsh indicated that she would like to see Art History represented and Professor Bernard Hoffert suggested that they could perhaps lobby to that effect. Professor Kay Lawrence made comment on the current New Zealand and UK setup.

Professor Lawrence informed the meeting that Professor Noel Frankham had sent through a listing of Research Performance Metrics for consideration: Research Income; Exhibitions; Commissions; Grants & Prizes; Publications; Reviews and Citations. Following discussion, some changes were agreed under the various topics.

National Review of Visual Education – Australian Institute of Art Education (AIAE)
The Chair reported that this project was now on hold.

Visual & Performing Arts Workshop, 26 September 2006
The Chair informed the meeting that Mr Tos Gascoigne from CHASS was interested in arranging a peak body meeting with the music and film sectors represented by: National Council of Tertiary Music Schools (NACTMUS) and Australian Screen Production, Education, Research Association (ASPERA) to address Research Quality Framework (RQF) issues. The meeting noted that this workshop would be held the day prior to the ACUADS Annual Conference.

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PhD. Benchmark Project
The Chair reported that Dr George Petelin had given a talk on his research and that it provided a set of benchmarks that could be used as a standard and built upon and could be a potential project.

Annual Conference: Melbourne, 27-29 September 2006
The Chair welcomed Mr Denis Masseni, Monash University Conference Organiser, to the meeting. Mr Masseni briefed the Executive on the web site and the meeting noted that as plans are firmed, alterations and additions will be made.

The Provisional Program was discussed at length and the Executive gave in-principle support to the program subject to identified changes.

The Chair advised the meeting that the School Administrators were keen to meet and therefore the Thursday and Friday afternoons had been identified for their program.

The meeting noted that it is the 25^th Anniversary of ACUADS and it was agreed that Professor David Williams would speak on the history of the organisation during the offical conference dinner.

The meeting also agreed to hold a Heads of School dinner so that informal discussions may be held.

Associate Professor de Clario suggested that the Sculpture Symposium be added to the web site as an adjunct event to be held on the Saturday at the conclusion of the three-day conference.

The Chair noted that Ms. Kirsten Freeman is the new conference organiser who will succeed Mr Masseni.

ACUADS Awards
The chair noted that there had been some submissions and that these would be presented for approval at a subsequent meeting.

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Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer, Professor David Williams, spoke to his Report noting the current satisfactory bank balance and that 36 Membership invoices for the 2006/2007 year had been issued and that a majority had been paid to date. The meeting agreed to ratify the accounts.

The meeting discussed membership of the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) and Professor Hoffert moved that ACUADS join CHASS as a Subscribing Member. The meeting agreed.

The Treasurer recommended that a rise in the subscription rate of more than the usual 5% should be considered for the 2006/2007 financial year. This issue will require further discussion, but is to be decided by Annual General Meeting.

Professor Williams informed the meeting that he would be retiring as Head of Department and therefore is tendering his resignation as ACUADS Treasurer and Executive Member to take effect on 30 June 2006. Professor Williams noted that as the company is registered in the ACT, the Public Officer position needs to be held by an ACT resident and confirmed that he is willing to continue in this role.

The Chair moved that Professor Williams complete the operational year and present the audit report and that there would be a financial hand-over to the new Treasurer after the Annual General Meeting and that he remain on as the Public Officer. The meeting agreed.

Future Structure of ACUADS
The Chair advised that there would need to be discussion on various issues affecting the future of ACUADS: future structure; the possibility of electronically processing the financial accounts; identifing new ways to grow resources, as there is a limitation to membership numbers. The meeting agreed to discuss at a later date.

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3. ACUADS Executive Telephone Meeting 3 August 2006

The ACUADS Executive telephone meeting held on 3 August considered the following agenda items:

Executive Membership
The meeting noted various changes to membership of the Executive:

• Associate Professor Domenico de Clario announced he has resigned as ECU Head of School and is moving to Monash University in May
• Professor David Williams has resigned as ANU Head of School as he is retiring
• Professor Bernard Hoffert announced his resignation as he is no longer Head of School at Monash, although his term of office doesn’t expire until 2007.

The meeting agreed that all three should remain on the Executive until the AGM and that in the meantime, Associate Professor Clive Barstow, of ECU, be co-opted as a Member until the AGM.

The meeting summarised the total forthcoming membership changes at the 29 September AGM when there will be five vacancies, noting that the terms of Professor Noel Frankham (Deputy Chair), Professor Kay Lawrence and Associate Professor Robyn Stewart, do not expire until 2007:

• two members' terms of office will expire: Associate Professor Su Baker and Associate Professor Domenico de Clario
• Professor David Williams' resignation, as above, becomes effective
• Professor Bernard Hoffert's resignation, as above, becomes effective
• One vacancy.

The meeting agreed that in calling for nominations, geographic spread and gender balance should be considered.

Visual Art & Design Metrics – Research Quality Framework (RQF)
The Chair reported that at the end of August, there will be a report as the two committees will have held their final meetings and reported to the Minister by 30 August.

Visual & Performing Arts Workshop, 26 September 2006
Professor Williams spoke to his outline of the Workshop, which he is organising for Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) noting that the program and speakers have yet to be finalised.

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ACUADS Subscription Rates 2006/2007
The meeting noted the Treasurer's comments from the previous Executive on whether there should be a greater increase than the normal 5% subscription rate. The meeting decided to consider the matter at the AGM.

Annual Conference: Melbourne, 27-29 September 2006
The meeting agreed that a communiqué should be issued at the end of the Conference and in discussing the Draft Program, agreed some follow-up action and changes to the Program as presented.

The Refereeing timetable was discussed and the meeting noted that the refereeing refers to publication, not presentation of papers at the Conference.

ACUADS Awards
The meeting noted the names of the two nominees for a Teaching and Research Award and deputised the Chair to make the final decision.

Treasurer's Report
The meeting considered the Treasurer's Report noting the expenditure items and credit balance and that there are still some outstanding membership subscriptions and agreed to ratify the accounts.

DEST Reseach Project: Update Strand Report
Professor Williams advised the meeting that further to the Executive's agreement that an update of the Strand Report was desirable, he is organising an update with CHASS as auspicing organisation and the Victorian College of the Arts as host.

Art & Design Education Resource Guide (ADERG)
The Chair advised the meeting that ACUADS had again accepted a free full page ad in the forthcoming edition, due out mid- to late August.

Shanghai Biennale – Design Education Article
Professor Williams spoke to the paper, requesting an article on Australian Design Education to be included in the Biennale hand-out publication. The meeting noted the lateness of the request and agreed to contact a possible contributor.

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4. ACUADS Executive Telephone Meeting 25 August 2006

The ACUADS Executive telephone meeting held on 25 August considered the following agenda items:

Visual Art & Design Metrics – Research Quality Framework (RQF)
The Chair reported that the last committee meeting had been held on Tuesday 22 August in Canberra and noted that the Minister is due to release a report at the end of the month. The meeting agreed that ACUADS should therefore wait on both this report and the outcome of the Visual & Performing Arts Workshop being held 26 September, before responding.

Visual & Performing Arts Workshop, 26 September 2006
Professor Williams reported that the Workshop program is firming and that a program update will be forwarded next week. He advised that the Workshop registration fee was $99 plus Dinner. He asked if Executive members could assist in chairing sessions, which was readily agreed.

Annual Conference: Melbourne, 27-29 September 2006
The Chair advised that the program was almost complete and that another update will be on the web the following week.

The Chair asked if Executive members were available to chair the Parallel Sessions and they readily agreed.

Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer advised that the accounts had been sent to the Auditor in preparation for the AGM.

The Australian Education Supplement
The Chair reported that there appeared to be enough positive acceptances for the Supplement to proceed with publication prior to the Conference.

The meeting noted that Monash University was doing the graphics for the supplement and that the conference theme would be echoed in the content and the supplement will include mention of the 25^th anniversary of ACUADS.

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5. ACUADS Executive Meeting 28 September 2006

The ACUADS Executive meeting held at the Caulfield Campus, Monash University, Melbourne on 28 September considered the following agenda items:

Annual General Meeting, 29 September 2006
The meeting confirmed that there were five vacancies on the Executive and noted that to date two nominations had been received and reiterated that if two nominees ended up with the same number of votes, a run-off would be necessary.

Election of Office Bearers, 29 September 2006
The members noted the timing of this Executive meeting to occur immediately after the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.

Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer, Professor David Williams, presented the Executive Financial Report noting that as he was retiring, there will be a need for him to brief the new Treasurer.

Following discussion of the report, the meeting agreed to ratify the expenditure as presented.

The Treasurer spoke to the Auditor's Report and Treasurer's AGM Report which will be presented the following day. He noted that the Auditor's report was unqualified and that there was a deficit of $1,907 caused by payment of accounts from the previous financial year.

The meeting agreed that there is need to discuss membership fees at the AGM next year as ACUADS now has increased expenditure even though Membership, as presented, has remained constant. The Treasurer also noted that with the receipt of Membership moneys, there was a healthy cash balance.

The meeting noted the Treasurer's AGM Report and agreed that the annual subscription fee for 2007 be increased by 5%, which would bring subscriptions to:

• Under 250 EFTSU: $693
• Under 1000 EFTSU: $980
• Over 1000 EFTSU: $1,055

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The meeting agreed that in the opinion of the Executive, the financial report presents fairly the financial position of Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools Incorporated as at 30 June 2005 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Accounting Standards and mandatory professional reporting standards in Australia and other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board.

The meeting agreed that in the opinion of the Executive, at the date of this statement, there are reasonable grounds to believe that Australian Council of University Art and Design Schools Incorporated will be able to pay its debts as and when they fall due.

The meeting agreed that the Chair, Associate Professor Su Baker and Deputy Chair, Professor Noel Frankham be authorised to sign the Statement by Executive on behalf of the Executive.

The Chair thanked Professor Williams for his services as Treasurer and noted that he will remain as Public Officer.

Carrick Institute
The meeting discussed applying for funds for projects as outlined to the Conference on the previous day. The meeting noted that projects need to be national in scope and hosted by an institution.

The Executive agreed that this subject should be placed on the next agenda and that in the meantime, full information on the Carrick Insitute processes be obtained.

Overseas Visiting Artists
Associate Professor de Clario raised for discussion the possibility of sharing international visitors and involving high profile artists in ACUADS Conferences.

Visual Art & Design – Research Quality Framework (RQF)
The meeting noted that a standardised set of Metrics is an ongoing project for ACUADS.

Art School Archives
The meeting noted the request, from art historian Eileen Chanin and archivist Steven Miller, for archival material related to the nation's art schools pre-1976 and agreed to discuss further.

Retiring Executive Members
The Chair formally thanked members whose two-year term had expired: Professor Bernard Hoffert and Associate Professor Domenico de Clario; and retiring member, Professor David Williams.

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