HALIFAX – The government of Nova Scotia failed to meet the deadline set by NSCAD students for a response to their ʻManifesto for a Vibrant, Strong, and Independent NSCADʼ, prompting students to organize further action.
“Students made an effort to reach out and collaborate with the Nova Scotia government when we delivered our Manifesto to them nearly a month ago,” said Sarah Trower, President of the Studentsʼ Union of NSCAD University (SUNSCAD). “It is unfortunate that the NDP government appears uninterested in working with the NSCAD community to ensure that NSCAD remains vibrant, strong, and independent.”
Written by students, faculty and staff at NSCAD, the Manifesto outlines core principles that define the 125-year-old art school and map out a path for its future success. The Manifesto was unanimously approved at a general assembly of NSCAD students and by the faculty and staff unions at the university. On February 6, hundreds of students and their supporters rallied outside of Province House and students delivered the Manifesto to Halifax MLA Leonard Preyra.
“For years, students, faculty and staff at NSCAD have been forced to shoulder the burden of government underfunding and the poor financial decisions by the university,” said Elise Graham, Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students-Nova Scotia. “Students will not be ignored. We will continue to put pressure on the government to ensure the survival of a strong and autonomous NSCAD.
For the past three years the provincial NDP government has cut funding to universities. Currently, NSCAD receives less funding per-student than other institutions receive for students in fine arts and media programs such as theatre, drama, music and journalism.
NSCAD students continue to hold regular general assemblies to determine future actions to ensure a vibrant, strong and autonomous NSCAD.
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Sarah Trower, President
SUNSCAD
(902) 802-0055
Elise Graham, Chairperson, Canadian
Federation of Students-Nova Scotia
(902) 476-7257
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