Committee Deplores Mr Sheafs Statement

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32117, 13 October 1969, Page 14

Committee Deplores Mr Sheafs Statement

Mr W. N. Sheat’s statement I that he hoped the present i “■uncreative fuss” over the complaint by Auckland and i Christchifrch artists would i die down has been deplored < in a supplied statement by i the committee of Christ- I church Artists, Critics, Teach- < era For Action. “Mr Sheat has shown an ' entire lack of understanding of the issues involved which underline the gap which exists between the chairmen of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council and those whom the council was established to serve,” said the statement. “If the group of the council’s critics is uninformed, it Is Mt Sheat’s responsibility to see that practitioners of the visual arts are informed about the council’s actions. “That 'art is vigorous and should be a powerful force tn everyday life rattier than something remote* as Mr Sheat’s statement, published on Saturday, said is not contested but he hss overlooked the fact that the vigour of art has been displayed by the quick action of artists throughout the country in refuting the values implied in the council’s retail promotion scheme and engaging in a very creative dialogue on the Issues. “The delegates from Christchurch, who win be attending

the meeting of the council and its visual arts panel in Wellington at the council's invitation will gladly assist to get on with the real task of providing the best possible climate for the practice and appreciation of the arts according to Mr Sheet’s own words," said the statement