The TRU Arts & Education Building. (Photo via Thompson Rivers University)
A plan by Thompson Rivers University to phase out its Bachelor of Fine Arts program over the next three years is not sitting well with some students, faculty members, and others.
An online petition that is calling on the university to reverse its decision has already gathered over 500 signatures since it was launched Monday night.
“Visual Arts faculty were informed Thursday, April 20 of the decision to cancel the BFA, Visual Arts Programs, with enrollment stopped immediately and a three-year window during which current students may complete their program of study,” petition organizer Darlene Kalynka, who is an Associate Professor in the Visual and Performing Arts Department at TRU said.
“Many of us in the Faculty of Arts and the greater Kamloops community are in absolute disagreement with this decision, which disrespects the quality of graduates the BFA has produced, which disrupts a strong and long-standing relationship with the community including the Kamloops Art Gallery, which provides a center for Indigenous student artists to express and share their culture, and which has provided a centre of creativity on campus for decades. ”
TRU says there will be no job losses as a result of this change, noting there will be new programming coming including a “refreshed” Theatre program, a new program in Criminology, and a renewed Psychology Counselling program.
Trying to get my head around the idea that TRU BFA program is being shut down. Here’s a painting of one of their alumni Kelly Perry. Life has been made better by the program #kamloops pic.twitter.com/F03aRmmx4X
— Nancy Bepple (@NancyBepple) April 25, 2023
Dear Tweeters, please help us save our Bachelor of Fine Arts at TRU. https://t.co/eqJo0jU0gp
— Kathleen Scherf (@DrScherf) April 25, 2023
Signed! I only graduated high school because of 7 blocks of Fine Arts classes! Save the BFA at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, B.C. – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/unQGi5KOyx via @CdnChange
— Merlin Blackwell, Mayor
(@BlackwellMerlin) April 25, 2023
As the Past President of the Kamloops Art Gallery, this news last week was devastating. This city – and university – needs a strong arts community. Pls sign.
Save the BFA at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, B.C. – Sign the Petition! https://t.co/PmsTsNaIkQ via @CdnChange
— Rob Wilson
(@rrwilson2) April 25, 2023
