For the sake of art

I muse to read recent contributions by correspondents and academics on the present art education systems and policies in Malta. It is obvious that these critics should adjourn their misconceptions about art education being "bottom of the league of European countries", stick their heads out of the sand , and see what is happening at the MCAST Institute of Art and Design.

I have been fortunate to form part of educators who pioneered art and design education for over 25 years. At MCAST, where I have held the post of deputy director at the Art and Design Institute since its inception, I have been responsible for students doing BTEC National Diploma Level 3 Foundation Studies in Art and Design to Higher National Diploma Level 5. As evidenced from both internal and external verification procedures over the past four years, the high standard of work achieved in art and design by our students, compares admirably to that of foreign universities considering the 'A' grade achieved in the past two years.

Our system provides students with contemporary methods and mechanisms within art education, including contextual studies (historical and critical analysis of art from modern to contemporary - international and local, techniques and free experimentation in all media, including digital media and installation art, not neglecting the academic rigour of sketching, painting and modelling, and sculpting techniques. These are further supplemented with presentation techniques and regular written feedback by the teachers to the students.

The institute boasts art studios that cater for over 250 students at different levels, in which students have over six cubic metres of desk and display, and working space at their disposal to work in both timetabled hours and free time on either programmed exercises or self-initiated work. This has definitely given our students an identity, responsibility, a space they call their own to give them an edge on other art students at tertiary level. These studios overflow with ideas, drawings, mock-ups and workshop test-pieces for three terms a year for standardisation and unit verification. The idyllic grounds at Targa Gap offer a natural backdrop for outdoor experiences.

For a lack of local availability, our students venture on to British universities from higher national for either top-up years for a degree or from Foundation Diploma to follow a three-year degree in various art and design disciplines. We have students completing three-dimensional and graphic design degrees, taking degrees in fashion, fine art and photography: all a result of the varied combination of creativity-generating exercises and a rigorous drive to lifelong learning. Perhaps in the near future we may combine efforts to run fine art and performing arts programmes and courses.

May I make an open invitation to existing and prospective art educators, and training providers in these sectors, to visit an exhibition of works, currently being held for the fourth consecutive year at St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity (until July 30), of a variety of artworks, projects and products produced by students ranging from First Diploma and Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, National Diploma in Design Crafts, and Higher National Diploma in 3D and Graphic Design. These compare to the second year of an art/design degree (three-year course) at English universities and art and design colleges.