Artists have long held a distinct position in society as critics and commentators. La Trobe University is proposing to dismantle our means to understand this critical role. At the end of 2007 La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia plans to close its Art History department, and with it will go an understanding of the important function of social and political commentary and critique. In the current world climate it is integral that we understand the place of criticism and what we are capable of as human beings.

Alongside Art History, disciplines that have been considered fundamental to western thought are being cut back: History, Philosophy, Archaeology, English. Universities should not be able to dictate what you can and cannot study. Knowledge should not be subject to financial viability. It should be a common right. Please help to save Art History and other subjects under threat. They are not only an understanding of history, but of ourselves and what contemporary society is built on.