The University of Brighton’s Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Anne Boddington, has signed a petition against the axing of vocational art courses at the Brighton Arthouse.
Scores of people have signed the online petition asking for the seven courses in silversmithing, bookbinding, woodwork, photography, printmaking, ceramics and plastics to be saved.
Evening tutors have been made redundant, and there will be no courses in 2010/11.
Mrs Boddington has joined them – but also says that the courses have been suspended, not axed.
She said: “Brighton Arthouse is not being closed but suspended pending a review.
“The Faculty of Arts is committed to trying to find new ways to reconfigure all our short course provision in order that is sustainable and viable.
“We would welcome suggestions and comments on how and what our community wish to learn and the kinds of courses or access to facilities that would be welcomed and that complement other resources and facilities in the region. We have received some very helpful suggestions already but are very happy to listen to any that come forward.”
