Central Otago's arts sector says news Otago Polytechnic will offer a bachelor of visual arts programme at Cromwell is an ''exciting'' development for the community.
The polytechnic announced yesterday it would offer years two and three of its bachelor programme in painting and photography through distance learning at the Central Otago campus in Cromwell for the first time from next year.
The Cromwell campus would host group teaching sessions and there would be regular visits to the Dunedin School of Art to facilitate a connection with the wider student cohort, acting head of the Dunedin School of Art Clive Humphreys said. Other support would include phone or Skype arrangements.
The bachelor of visual arts was previously only available to those studying at the Dunedin School of Art. However, as Central Otago's population grew ''it seems sensible to be serving this region'', Mr Humphreys said.
He said the two-year full-time programme was not for first-year arts students.
''We are looking to cater to those people who already have some form of arts practice. They might have a studio of their own, have exhibition experience, and be looking to lift their skills and techniques in specific areas.''
Central Otago Art Society president Nigel Wilson's first reaction to the news was ''wow''. He said it would be a ''fantastic'' addition to the Central Otago community.
''I think that's going to have flow-on effects and I think Central Otago is possibly seen as a place where there is already a gathering of artists.''
