A“bold and ambitious” public artwork that has attracted significant community criticism has been approved by Mount Gambier City Council – but it is unlikely to be installed near the Blue Lake city’s Town Hall.
Mount Gambier City Council on Tuesday evening voted to approve additional funding for its Beacon Art Project which was recently quoted at $136,250, despite the initial budget being $80,000.
The artwork, aimed at raising the profile of Mount Gambier, generated strong mixed discussion at the council meeting with some councillors for and others against.
Mayor Lynette Martin acknowledged there had been much discussion swirling around the community since the concept was released in council’s agenda.
The recommendation to fund the project was carried, with an additional recommendation that council was not in favour of the artwork being situated in front of the Town Hall and a further report will be brought back to council proposing alternate sites.
The recommendation was supported by Councillors Josh Lynagh, Jason Virgo, Paul Jenner, Max Bruins and Sonya Mezinec. Crs Mark Lovett and Kate Amoroso did not support the motion, with Cr Amoroso calling for a division.
Cr Frank Morello, who was one of the councillors on the assessment panel that shortlisted Huna Studio’s creation, was an apology at the meeting.
Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Cultural Development director Ashleigh Whatling tabled a report in Tuesday’s meeting agenda on the project along with recommendations to support funding it, including the budget shortfall of $19,753 to deliver the project.
Mayor Martin said funding would be sourced from other art related budget lines.
“There has been criticism that council could fund projects more worthy of this money,” she said.
“What I want to assure the community is that council is committed to focusing on all those issues of importance.
“I note that since the agenda had been made public there has been much discussion swirling around our community about this bold project, and I say rightly so.
“As we all know art is often controversial.”
Mayor Martin went on to quote Mexican poet and academic Cesar A Cruz.
“As Cesar A Cruz said ‘Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb comfortable’, a line later repeated by British street artist Banksy,” she said.
Mayor Martin admitted she initially had doubts about the project.
“Now I’m happy to admit that when I was first presented with this project, I had my doubts and I was not totally convinced, but I also admit to being conservative,” she said.
However, when hearing the back story Ms Martin said she viewed the project differently.
“This (project) symbolises lost and ancient creatures, a manifestation of some lost mythic marsupial megafauna, not a literal recreation but an imaginary figure that has emerged from the earth and embarked upon a journey across the landscape,” she said.
“I encourage our community to take the time to read the story behind the concept.
“I guess we must ask ourselves the question, do we want Beacon art which is designed to attract people and make a statement or do more traditional art?”
In addition, Mayor Martin clarified the project does not address or attempt to tell any Aboriginal stories.
However, she has had discussions with local Boandik elders Uncle Ken and Aunty Michelle on the matter.
Meanwhile, Mayor Martin agreed with investigating an alternate site.
“I certainly do agree with (public comment), I do not think it is appropriate it goes in front our heritage building at all,” she said.
Cr Max Bruins was also on the assessment panel and showed his full support of the project by moving the recommendation.
“I’m happy to move this item. The fact is city’s gain value through public art – cultural value, social value and economic value,” he said.
“Public art adds meaning to a city and uniqueness to communities.”
Cr Bruins said public art is made accessible for those to experience outside a gallery environment and also encourages social interaction.
“The vibrant arts and cultural scene is part of the fabric that makes up the robust and well rounded community,” he said.
“Part of the rationale behind allocating funds to a Beacon Art Project is to proudly announce that we want to be such a community with a vibrant arts and cultural centre.
“I understand this project will cause some controversy in the community. The fact of the matter is, all great public art does and I do not think we should shy away from that at all.”
Cr Bruins showed examples of such art around the Australia that has caused controversy.
“Look at the Vault by Ron Robertson-Swann as an example. Commissioned in 1980 and initially dubbed the ‘Yellow Peril’. It was mocked and ridiculed and now one of Melbourne’s most iconic art pieces and is about to be heritage listed,” he said.
“Another example is A Day Out by Margeurite Derricourt (the bronze pigs), commissioned in 1999. Again, it caused public outcry and is now one of the most loved features of Rundle Mall.
“Huna Studio’s design relates specifically to our natural tourism assets and encourages curiosity for the region’s geological and fauna histories.
“It’s a landmark design in contrast with the built heritage environment in order to complement and highlight it and draw visitors to the CBD and encourage spending in local businesses.
“Public art is often controversial, and while difficult to measure, over time the economic, social, cultural and tourism benefits can be in the millions of dollars.”
Cr Mezinec said she imagined lots of visitors will go up to hug the “bold” piece of art.
“Cr Bruins has covered a lot of the benefits of public art. One thing is it needed to be shocking. That’s the value of it, the fact it will be a great talking point. And that will attract people to come and see it,” she said.
“I like the mythical nature of the shape of it. I certainly support it. It’s bold. I know some people are quite outraged but that’s what great art does.”
Although Cr Amoroso said she agreed with Cr Bruins’ comments, she voted against the recommendations.
“I agree with the majority of what Max said, and I’m all for the arts, however the community does not think this is the right fit, not the right colour, so I will not be voting for,” she said.
Cr Lynagh said the response on social media mirrors Paul Sloan’s Pigeon in Rundle Mall.
“If you could go back to the 1970’s when the spheres or the ‘Malls Balls’ were revealed, if Facebook had existed back then it would guarantee it (public response) would have been exactly the same,” he said.
“This is what happens when you have public art of this nature.”
Cr Lovett indicated he spoke on behalf of the community that do not want the project and subsequently voted against.