Editorial: City backs needed cultural projects | Manawatu-Wanganui Opinion | Local Voices from Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand

Opinion

Wanganui Mayor Annette Main is right to be concerned about low enrolment numbers at the Wanganui Glass School.

This year, only 15 students have so far enrolled for the school, which can take up to 50 students for its three-year diploma course.

Wanganui is known for its heritage in the arts, and the glass school is undoubtedly one of the jewels in the crown.

The glass school is one of those features that sets Wanganui apart, and it's a shame to see it apparently struggling to attract students.

Those behind the school can at least rest easy in the knowledge that they have the backing of the Wanganui District Council, which decided last year to keep funding the school through a $95,000 annual grant, to look after operational costs.

Whanganui UCOL has conceded low student numbers are the reason behind new mayoral accommodation scholarships providing free accommodation for five first-year students in their first year of attendance.

It all adds up to paint something of a grim picture. However, the future of the glass school appears secure, so long as council funding remains in place.

But that funding will surely and rightfully come under question as long as student numbers remain low.

It's becoming increasingly difficult for smaller regional centres to establish their point of difference from bigger cities.

Our arts culture, oft-described as "vibrant", is that point of difference for Wanganui.

A prosperous and busy glass school is a key component of that culture.

In contrast to the concerns around the glass school, there are positive signs for the city's arts culture in the green light given by the council to the redevelopment of Guyton St - without committing any money to the project.

Times are tough, and when the Wanganui District Council this week decided to support the proposal pitched by the Guyton Group, albeit without committing funding, it was not without reservation on the part of some councillors, concerned about finances and spending priorities.

Thankfully, the members of the Guyton Group are realistic enough to understand this, maintaining that they were not asking the council for money, but that they were more likely to get funding from other sources, with council endorsement.

Under the $915,000 proposal, a two-block section of Guyton St would become a creative and cultural precinct, including a life-size statue of poet James K Baxter, three roundabouts, a gateway sculpture over the Wicksteed St intersection, a canopy of lights and poetry etched into the pavement.

Best of luck to the Guyton Group - provided they can secure the funding they need, the development would add much to the rich tapestry of our city.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz