Fine arts students protest cancelled programs, Feb 6 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

TRU FINE ARTS

TRU students protest the discontinuation of four fine arts programs

Feb 6, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — Chants of “Save the B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts)” rang out across the TRU campus on Tuesday (Feb. 6) afternoon, as more than 30 fine arts students, faculty members and supporters gathered.

“Celebration of the life of the B.F.A.,” remarked Associate Professor Darlene Kalynka. “It was great to see all that support. Our students are concerned. They care about what they are doing, they care about creativity, so it was great to see it.”

Last week, the Board of Governors dropped the axe on four fine arts programs within the school, citing attrition rates of more than 70 percent along with rising costs, and a space commitment.

“Kamloops will feel the effects of not having a fine arts program. There is going to be less vibrancy, less great architecture in things. It is everywhere. Fine arts is everywhere,” said third-year student Dylan Bellamy.

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“Arts is a very important part of culture and without arts, culture can actually move, it can move forward but it’s really hard for culture to actually evolve. I feel arts is really important,” added fourth-year fine arts student Siddhesh Sunil Chikane.

When speaking with CFJC News last week, Provost Gillian Belfour spoke to the program’s need to grow with the times, something Kalynka says has actually happened.

“They want us to do more computer orientated, software work and the thing is, I don’t think they see how much computer based artwork our students already do,” responded Kalynka.

While it may be a bridge too far for the current program to be resurrected, the hope is that by bringing attention to the situation, the students can help shape the future of arts.

“What happens when there is no one left to speak up for programs that aren’t making money? And that is all this institution seems to be concerned about,” stated John Zolis.

“By closing down the BFA, it just reinforces the stigma that some institutions have, not taking the arts as seriously or fairly as some other programs,” continued third-year student Olivia Roberts.

All students currently enrolled in the four cut programs will have the opportunity to complete their degrees at TRU, and the faculty members will not be losing their jobs at the university.

“I don’t want to see creativity at TRU taken for granted,” said Kalynka.