University art students and faculty have planned two protests they hope will draw attention to what they believe is an urgent need for renovation of the Studio Arts Building.
According to the State (School) of Decay Facebook page, the protest is set for 12:30 p.m. today in the Sculpture Park near the Studio Arts Building. Participants are invited to wear black clothing and dust masks.
Another protest will take place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday on the lawn of the Capitol Park Museum in downtown Baton Rouge.
The Studio Arts Building, built in 1924, originally housed engineering shops and has never been completely renovated. The building’s crumbling conditions came to the attention of many people at the University in November when the ceiling of the ceramics studio collapsed.
Facility Services and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety have identified lead paint and asbestos throughout the building. Other issues, such as leaky ceilings, overflowing sinks, uneven flooring and exposed wiring, have students concerned about the building’s effects on their health and the future of the University’s art program.
Facility Services, EHS and the state fire marshal’s office insist the building is safe to occupy. Roger Husser, Facility Services director of Planning, Design and Construction, told The Daily Reveille last month that renovation is still critical because maintaining the 90-year-old building and its decrepit systems is costly and difficult.
The building has been on the list for renovation, but the state legislature has shot down those funds in its capital outlay budget for at least 13 years, according to Ellen Farrar, painting and drawing senior.
Students hope the protests will draw state legislators’ attention to the problems in the Studio Arts Building and persuade them to approve the $15 million needed for renovation.