CQU Mackay has become a hub for delivery of the Master of Contemporary Arts degree offered by the University of Tasmania's Visual and Performing Arts (Academy of the Arts).

Head of Campus Dr Trevor Davison said arrangements were in place for MCA students to use CQU Mackay videoconference facilities and the campus will host visits by Academy academics each term. 

He said some students had already enrolled for the 2008 intake.

Earlier this year, the Academy announced that its special teaching, professional practice and research interests in the themes of community, place and change and the environment set within the Tasmanian context are to expand significantly in 2008.

"We are forging a number of community, business and education partnerships in Central Queensland that will enable us to undertake teaching, learning and research projects centred on sub-tropical and tropical environments, especially the Great Barrier Reef," an Academy spokesperson said.

"The possibilities offered by the culture, place and communities of Central Queensland would provide an interesting point of difference to the distinctive nature of Tasmania's temperate environment.

"We are indebted to the Mackay City Council, particularly Mayor Julie Boyd, Marcella Massie formerly of Queensland Government Department of State Development and Trevor Davison, Head of Campus, Central Queensland University for their encouragement and support.

"I am pleased to say that Artspace Mackay Regional Art Gallery and Museum, Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens, Central Queensland Institute of TAFE and Central Queensland University will join us as community engagement partners in this exciting endeavour."

The School of Visual & Performing Arts from the University of Tasmania is now offering places in its postgraduate course ‘Master of Contemporary Arts' to the Central Queensland region, commencing in 2008, so artists do not have to relocate to undertake study. 

Professor Vincent McGrath, Head, School of Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Tasmania, visited Mackay on November 20-21 to meet with interested artists wishing to explore pathways for entry into the MCA degree.

Study in the Master of Contemporary Arts (MCA) is undertaken through the highly prestigious Academy of the Arts at the Launceston campus.

This challenging and creative program provides professional studio/workplace-oriented experiences that will extend understanding and appreciation of arts-related concepts, propositions and contemporary professional practices, assisting in new opportunities for work in the creative industries.

The Master of Contemporary Arts will help enhance the following skills and attributes:

• problem-solving and critical thinking within the contemporary arts (visual arts, gallery practices) disciplines
• in-depth knowledge of your chosen field of study within the contemporary arts and the ability to apply this in practice
• analytical and research skills
• effective communication across a range of contexts, through practical, written and oral presentations
• development of local and global perspectives within the disciplines of contemporary arts
• appreciation of the impact of social, ethical and environmental change particularly how it impacts on, and is predicated by the visual arts, gallery practices and digital design. 
• learn and practise correct occupational health and safety procedures that apply to owner/operator arts businesses and group workplace environments

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact the local Mackay UTAS CQ Field Officer [Marketing & Recruitment] Ann  Williams-Fitzgerald on 4957 7505 or annwf@optusnet.com.au to arrange a meeting to discuss pathways for entry into the MCA degree.

For further information on the School of Visual and Performing Arts visit the website at:

http://www.acadarts.utas.edu.au/   or telephone 03 6324 4400.