A GROUP of some of the most respected names in Scotland's visual arts community have declared Scottish Ballet's decision to alter its plans for the Tramway venue is "not a solution" to the crisis.

Earlier this week, Scottish Ballet revealed it had submitted a new plan to develop the Tramway, in Glasgow, after the outcry over the loss of what is regarded as an important national visual arts space.

Before the compromise, Scottish Ballet's plans to move its headquarters from the west end of Glasgow to the south side site would have meant the loss of the Tramway 2 space.

However, in an outspoken letter to The Herald, figures such as Professor Klaus Jung, head of fine art at the Glasgow School of Art, Richard Calvocoressi, director of the National Gallery of Modern Art, and Will Bradley, director of The Modern Institute, have voiced their continued concern over the future of the venue.

The letter calls for a "genuine, in depth consultation process" into the future of the visual arts in the city and condemns the continuing suspension of Alexia Holt, the curator of the Tramway, by the city council as "unjustified".

It says: "Currently there is no clear strategy for the visual arts within Glasgow City Council, little co-ordination across the city or between the city council and the arts council in respect of visual arts policy and priorities, and there has been no public or professional consultation regarding the ballet/opera proposal."

The letter is also being sent to Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Opera/Scottish Ballet, and the Scottish Parliament.



original article : http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/4829.html