John Devane: NAFAE Treasurer

John, why is NAFAE important to FE and HE Art providers?

NAFAE is a longstanding subject association with a distinguished history, and track record of discussion and debate in relation to Fine Art in the Further and Higher educational domain. NAFAE is important because it can provide the mechanism for a national and increasingly international forum for the dissemination of ideas and issues that are at the core of Fine Art. Although the territory of Fine Art has expanded in recent years (along with the number of institutions offering Fine Art), it is probably fair to say that the underlying ethos of Fine Art as a largely self-initiated practice driven subject, has remained reasonably consistent across the sector. Issues of currency, sustainability and best practice in relation to pedagogy and research should be at the center of the debate in Fine Art and NAFAE can be a vibrant vehicle for this to take place.

John, what important issues are facing Art over the next 5 years?

The challenge for Fine Art providers has probably never been more acute. The increasing cost of education and the desire for accountability within a competitive market has resulted in a degree of anxiety about how Fine Art might fit into vocational agendas and the metrics associated with graduate destinations.

In the FE sector, the 16 to 19 agenda will inevitably colour the landscape and the relationship and longer term viability of Foundation Art & Design is a concern to us all.

The outcome of the RAE will also be a testing tome for many and the very relationship between teaching and practice as we understand it may be in the balance if the result of the exercise results in a loss of capability funding.