Several hundred musicians gathered in Cardiff to protest Cardiff University’s plans to close its school of music, with the potential loss of 400 academic jobs. The university’s announcement of the proposed closures, including the school of music, nursing, and modern foreign languages, came as a result of a £31m deficit the institution is facing. The demonstration involved students, lecturers, and supporters who expressed their concerns about the impact of these cuts on the future of music education.
The protesters, comprising individuals from various parts of the UK, embarked on a march from Museum Avenue to Gorsedd Gardens in solidarity against the potential closure of the music school. The Cardiff University Salvation Symphony Orchestra, along with the Cardiff University Brass Band and other ensembles, performed musical pieces including the Welsh national anthem and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 to highlight the significance of music in education and society.
Following the musical performances, the demonstrators continued their protest in the city centre, emphasising the vital role of creativity, music, and the arts in academic institutions. Wilf Dingle, a third-year student and president of the university’s music society, expressed the strong support received from various sectors, with over 20,000 signatures on a petition opposing the closure. He highlighted the sense of community within the music department and the determination to prevent the proposed cuts from taking effect.
The closure of the school of music, along with the potential job losses, has sparked concerns among students and staff about the future of music education at Cardiff University. The protesters called for the university to reconsider its decision and provide job security for those affected by the proposed cuts. Despite the university’s assurances that these are initial proposals and student education will not be immediately impacted, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the music department remains a significant issue for the community.
Cardiff University’s spokesperson reiterated the collaborative approach being taken to address the budget deficit, involving input from staff, students, and external stakeholders to shape the final decisions. The university aims to work with external partners to ensure a sustainable future for music education in Wales. The protests in Cardiff coincide with similar announcements from other universities in Wales, such as Bangor University and the University of South Wales, regarding job cuts, highlighting the broader challenges facing higher education institutions.
The demonstration in Cardiff stands as a testament to the importance of music and the arts in academia, with participants advocating for the preservation of the music department at Cardiff University. The event showcased a unified effort to protect music education and job opportunities in the face of financial constraints. The future of the school of music and its impact on students and staff will continue to be a focal point of discussion and advocacy within the university community and beyond.