(Agencies/Photo: EuropaSur) Despite the weather over 100 people came out to protest about what the parents, teachers and students say is the 'precarious' state of the Algeciras Art School (see 'It's a miracle it's still standing' here). Carrying banners crying 'Renovations now!', the demonstrators say they 'can't stand any more' and 'the Junta isn't keeping its promises'. According to student spokesperson Adrián Pérez Sánchez, "We hear of schools where classes are suspeded if the heating breaks down, while we have to attend class in scarves and coats - inside, not outside!">
Pérez Sánchez added that of the €2m promised for renovations by the Junta, "aside from mediocre repairs to the electricity system, we have received €30,000. He added that the Junta itself had taken down the plaster from the ceilings to find leaks and "it's still exactly the same, with the iron structure showing everywhere. They didn't even finish what they started."
Some 350 students attend classes at th school, whose building is officially classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and received a national architectural award when it was built in the 1970s. The students, however and despite the state of the building, continue to win awards for their work at regional and national levels. "The Art School shouldbe aan example to the area and to all of Andalucía."
One mother at the demonstration told of her child needing to paint with her gloves on - "you try it," she said. Other parents pointed out that the place is continually being visited by Erasmus students from all over Europe: "We should be ashamed," said one.
The consensus was that the demonstration was a success in spite of the weather. All concerned are now awaiting a meeting with the Junta's subdelegate in the CdeG, Rafael España.
(Prospero note: I have to declare an interest in this subject; my mother was one of the first to teach at the Escuela de Artes y Oficios shortly after it was opened. She taught Drawing, Oil Painting and Pottery for several years.)
Pérez Sánchez added that of the €2m promised for renovations by the Junta, "aside from mediocre repairs to the electricity system, we have received €30,000. He added that the Junta itself had taken down the plaster from the ceilings to find leaks and "it's still exactly the same, with the iron structure showing everywhere. They didn't even finish what they started."
Some 350 students attend classes at th school, whose building is officially classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural and received a national architectural award when it was built in the 1970s. The students, however and despite the state of the building, continue to win awards for their work at regional and national levels. "The Art School shouldbe aan example to the area and to all of Andalucía."
One mother at the demonstration told of her child needing to paint with her gloves on - "you try it," she said. Other parents pointed out that the place is continually being visited by Erasmus students from all over Europe: "We should be ashamed," said one.
The consensus was that the demonstration was a success in spite of the weather. All concerned are now awaiting a meeting with the Junta's subdelegate in the CdeG, Rafael España.
(Prospero note: I have to declare an interest in this subject; my mother was one of the first to teach at the Escuela de Artes y Oficios shortly after it was opened. She taught Drawing, Oil Painting and Pottery for several years.)
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