ANAM: What's In a Name?

So, the Government had to abandon the idea of naming their new deracinated music education institution the Australian Institute of Music Performance (AIMP). Instead, it will continue to be the Australian National Academy of Music. This wasn't so much because they wanted to keep ANAM's students happy (or even so much as to trade on the exsiting reputation of the Organisation-Formerly-Known-As-ANAM), but because an Australian Institute of Music (AIM) already exists (it's located in Surry Hills, Sydney) - AIM was rightly angry. This gaffe led to the hasty decision that came from Canberra complete with patronising spin about 'connotations of excellence' and caring about the concerns of students.

On Tuesday, ANAM students staged a musical protest at Parliament House and then, with Artistic Director Brett Dean, met with Peter Garrett (read more) to lobby for a stay of execution. The Government has pledged $500 000 to ease the transition of ANAM into the University of Melbourne music faculty (press release). Rumour has it that such ad hoc policy-making has foisted ANAM upon the University of Melbourne, infuriating Melbourne Uni Vice Chancellor Glyn Davis.

You can still register your support of (the original) ANAM by signing the petition, calling your local MP or writing to Mr Garrett:

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
Parliament House, Canberra, ACT 2600
Tel: (02) 6277 7640
Fax: (02) 6273 6101
Email: peter.garrett.mp@aph.gov.au

Whatever ANAM's problems were, it didn't deserve to be so ignominiously knackered by Rudd's razor-gangs. The whole affair could have been handled with a lot more tact.

Fortunately, this business can never diminish the talents or the reputations of the brilliant musicians and staff who continue to show the Government the true meanings of class and excellence.

The fight goes on.