A“bold and ambitious” public artwork aimed at raising the profile of Mount Gambier is seeking additional funding from City Council.


Total funds for council’s Beacon Art Project have recently been quoted at $136,250, despite the initial budget being $80,000.


Elected members will consider the recommendation when council meets for its October monthly meeting today.


Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Cultural Development director Ashleigh Whatling will table a report in the meeting agenda on the project along with recommendations to support funding it.


“In February 2021 council resolved to support the Beacon Art Project, with an initial budget of $80,000,” Ms Whatling reported, adding this figure grew to $117,000 by 2023.


The recommendation will seek that shortlisted applicant Huna Studio be endorsed to receive $120,179 (ex GST) for the project.


“These funds will be conditional to a commission contract with City Council and be dispensed in installations according to project milestones.”


The recommendation also seeks that $17,271 (ex GST) be allocated to site preparation, communications strategy and development approval costs.


A carry forward was approved in September for $50,000 allocated in 2023-24 financial year, in addition to the remaining budget ($66,497) allocated this financial year.


Ms Whatling reported this is over the budgeted amount of $116,497, a budget shortfall of $19,753.


“The remaining $19,753 will be sourced from other budget lines, including the balance of the Creative Art Fund and the Riddoch operating budget and will be reallocated in budget review one,” she said.


“The purpose of the Beacon Art Project is to create an iconic public artwork, in a high-profile location, that activates the CBD and supports community connection, placemaking and tourism opportunities.


“Beacon art works around Australia draw attention and occasionally controversy. The nature of the Beacon Art Project is to capture imaginations and spark conversations.”


City Council invited expressions of interest from artists to design a proposal for an iconic public artwork.


At the end of the expressions of interest period in April this year, 22 applications from around the country were received.


All councillors were invited to participate in the assessment panel with the final panel consisting of two councillors, two council staff members and an external expert.


The panel included Ms Whatling along with Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre Exhibitions and Collections team leader Chris Clements, councillors Frank Morello and Max Bruins and Art Gallery of South Australia project manager Erin Davidson.


An assessment matrix including alignment with project objectives, artistic excellence, feasibility and experience, was used to assess each application.


The assessment panel met in May where Huna Studio’s proposal was shortlisted and then presented by Ms Whatling at a council workshop in September.


“Huna Studio’s proposal meets council’s preference for site-specific, immersive, bold, relevant and spectacular artwork for the Beacon Art Project,” Ms Whatling said.


“Huna Studio’s proposal has the potential to be celebrated and criticised by our community, which is to be expected for a bold and significant public art project.


“The proposal reads as a symbol of lost and ancient creatures, a manifestation of some lost, mythic marsupial mega-fauna.


“Not a literal recreation, but an imaginary figure that has emerged from the earth and embarked upon a journey across the landscape.


“Encouraging viewers to question its origin and embark upon their own journey of discovery regarding Mount Gambier’s geological and zoological history.


“Combined with the high-profile location and distinctive design this work has the potential to become a local landmark and meeting place.


“This work speaks directly to the region’s unique landscape and will be featured as part of tourism collateral and used as an opportunity to direct visitors to other natural highlights.


“This work encourages our community to connect to the landscape and history of Mount Gambier and build a sense of pride in the unique volcanic and mega-fauna stories we share.


“The high-profile location of Commercial Street means high visibility for more interaction.”


Ms Whatling said Heritage and Planning have been consulted and provided advice, which has led to the work being moved out of the sightline of the memorial fountain and in front of Old Town Hall.


“Opportunities exist to negotiate branding and licensing rights that will support and build the brand of Mount Gambier,” she said.


The project will also require development planning approval.


“If planning approval for the proposed location is not forthcoming, an alternative location will be sought that still has context for the work,” Ms Whatling said.


Visit www.mountgambier.sa.gov.au/council/council-meetings/minutes-agendas/council to view Huna Studio’s 10-page application in council’s October meeting agenda.