POOR access to tuition is hampering the development of would-be artists, a leading distance-learning organisation says.
The Open College for Arts questioned more than 1,000 of its students to find out why they enrol on its distance-learning courses.
“The survey provides clear evidence of an unmet interest in creative arts because of the lack of accessible provision,” said Roger Head, director of the OCA. “I am sure that there are hundreds, if not thousands, more creative people whose talents are going to waste.” His survey showed that one in five OCA students could not find suitable tuition where they lived.
The college has been going for 15 years. Last year, 3,000 students enrolled on a range of programmes including calligraphy, sculpture, music composition and painting.
The OCA - based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire - was founded by Michael Young, who also conceived the Open University. Many of its courses are accredited by the University of Glamorgan.
OCA contact telephone number 01226 730495
