Futures: education, craft and design in Australia

Abstract

Significant elements of change in Australia are challenging the tertiary education sector as never before. Implicated are providers in both university and TAFE sectors. it is a paradoxical time of shifting ground which, in the tertiary art and design sector, includes a debate about the need to integrate studios within the educational environment, the role and positioning of craft and design and the ability of institutions to provide education and training experiences which are authentic and relevant. This paper will address three issues: the shifting cultural debate concerning studio amalgamations vs autonomous praxis, the relationship between skills and concept development and the role and impact of design on the Australian consciousness. Approaches at USQ will be used as case studies to situate the discussion.