Wollongong council faces backlash over $500,000 art installation

The Wollongong City Council has faced significant backlash over a controversial public artwork known as 'Illawarra Placed Landscape,' created by New Zealand artist Mike Hewson. Installed in 2017, the centerpiece of the installation is a 17-metre tall uprooted palm tree suspended on a telegraph pole, which has drawn criticism from local residents who have labeled it a 'visual atrocity.' The project cost approximately $500,000 from concept to completion, raising questions about the allocation of public funds for art. During a recent council meeting, Cr Figliomeni proposed the removal of the installation, citing the estimated $1 million cost to dismantle it and the annual maintenance expense of $35,000. He acknowledged the potential for heated discussions but argued for the long-term benefits of disposing of the artwork. However, former Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery defended the installation, suggesting that the maintenance costs were reasonable compared to other art expenditures by the council. The debate surrounding the artwork has sparked a variety of opinions among residents, with some expressing disdain for its appearance while others appreciate the irony of the council's spending. The motion to remove the installation was ultimately not passed, with only two councillors supporting it. This decision reflects the ongoing division within the community regarding the value and purpose of public art. As the council continues to grapple with the implications of this installation, the situation highlights broader issues of public art funding and community engagement in decision-making processes. The controversy serves as a reminder of the challenges local governments face in balancing artistic expression with public sentiment.