A rough version of an artwork the council will pay $51,000 to install.By XAVIER SMERDON
A RATEPAYER funded piece of art to be placed in Wyndham has once again caused controversy with some people claiming it is a waste of money.
At last week’s council meeting a vote of five to three saw the green light being given to spend $51,000 on an oversized display cabinet.
The four metre tall and 3.5 metre wide piece to be placed either in front or inside of the Arndell Park Community Centre is designed by internationally recognised artist, Elaine Miles.
Councillor Heather Marcus, who was on the panel that chose the artwork to recommend to the council, said she could not justify spending $51,000 on the particular project.
“I cannot see the value for money in this particular one,” Cr Marcus said.
“The artist certainly does have good qualifications, but on this occasion, I voted with the community members from Arndell Park.
“We voted against it because we felt it didn’t express the art that they wanted to see for the children to enjoy.”
Mayor, John Menegazzo, said while he did not particularly like the cabinet himself it was more important that it was selected by a fair process.
“My opinion is not important, it’s the process that’s important,” Cr Menegazzo said.
“The fact is our policy is one per cent of capital works goes to an artwork, that’s a standard policy that this Council has. It’s not as though we can say, ‘ok, let’s can that and spend $60,000 on fixing potholes’, because $60,000 has to be spent on an artwork under current policy.”
The glass in the cabinet will be made from the same glass used in skyscrapers making it shatter proof and it will have a vent inside to remove moisture and dust.
It will possibly be used to house items donated by residents.
