Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) suffering from broken promises?

"The amalgamation of the VCA with Melbourne University does not appear to be a happy union," Victorian Greens Arts spokesperson Sue Pennicuik said today. "Students go to the VCA for its reputation and unique atelier tradition and there is fear that its identity will be ripped out or will not be sustained in the amalgamation," she said.

The 2005 Heads of Agreement covering the amalgamation gave assurances that the VCA would retain its status, uniqueness, reputation, its distinct identity and that there would be no changes to its funding without consultation.

"However, the suspension of small and highly specialised courses - Music Theatre and Puppetry, and the loss of at least 12 casual staff so far, show that the fears raised by students, staff and supporters about the viability of the VCA once absorbed into Melbourne University appear to be coming true," she said.

"In March this year, when the bill to change the name of the VCA was before parliament, I raised the concerns of students, staff and supporters that the VCA, as it has been known in the past, and its programs that have been successful, will not mesh well with the Melbourne University model. I noted that this was already causing confusion and stress for staff and students alike".

"Promises have already been broken, raising concerns that the VCA is already losing its identity and integrity," Ms Pennicuik said.

"Jobs should be maintained, especially specialist sessional positions that are often taken up by industry practitioners, and administration/support staff who provide the day to day assistance to students," she said.

"It’s crucial that the reputation, culture and autonomy of the VCA and the integrity of arts education in Victoria be maintained," she said.