THE final days of a piece of art in Baylis Street are running out as council considers its removal.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Created by Arthur Wicks and installed in 1999 during the Baylis Street upgrade – the untitled water feature is near the Sister Town Walk.
Vandalism and maintenance requirements have taken their toll and the water pump have been switched off for several years.
Wagga City Council’s public art advisory panel has recommended its removal.
“All public art has a life span,” Councillor and panel member Kevin Poynter said.
“It’s susceptible to vandalism, weather and pressures that artwork in galleries don’t have.
“But they contribute to the vibrancy of town and that’s a pretty good investment I think.
“Just because (one piece) is being removed, it doesn’t meant it hasn’t had value.”
Cr Poynter said while businesses could contribute to the street scape, it was not their primary job.
“Public art is about engaging people’s minds and making their life a little better,” he said.
“The panel is looking to ensure that public art makes its contribution to our community.”
Another piece of art by Arthur Wicks called Falling Rapids, which was installed in 1999 was removed in 2005.
Noted public art critic Cr Paul Funnell said decisions made in the past has led a to situation where public art had to be removed.
“It’s another lesson for people to wake up and realise that we’ve got to spend our money wisely,” Cr Funnell said.
He said installation of the water feature on Baylis Street had not been thought through as the moving parts such as water pumps had meant maintenance was required often.
“Where does the public art maintenance budget come from? Is it from public art or from general maintenance?” he asked.
“When rates, roads and rubbish are in order, let’s spend money on public art.”
Cr Funnell highlighted council’s struggle with funding the levee bank upgrade, maintaining sports fields and roads and foreshadowed bringing a motion in future to amend the public art policy.
Council will vote on the removal of the piece of public art on Monday.
Mayor Rod Kendall doubted it would mean the end of public art in the main street.
“I would expect that in the future, the public art committee would consider future pieces for Baylis Street and in the while of the main street precint,” Cr Kendall said.
“One of the beauties of art is it often starts a conversation.”