Value in public arts spending

By Paul Dunlop
CRITICS of a $150,000 plan to raise Pakenham’s public arts profile have been told ratepayers are getting a bargain.
Cardinia Shire Council last week commissioned internationally recognised sculptor Paul Johnson to craft the first of a series of artworks in a series to be displayed in and around the Lakeside at Pakenham precinct.
The public arts program is a joint partnership with Lakeside developers Delfin Lend Lease with council promising to spend up to $75,000 over three years.
However, doubts have been raised over the project’s value to ratepayers.
Cardinia Ratepayers and Residents Association president Gloria O’Connor questioned whether it was prudent for council to spend so much money when its debt had reached “such a high level”.
“There are many other practical community projects to be serviced,” Mrs O’Connor said.
Councillor Kate Lempriere said she was not surprised by the questions, because spending on public arts almost always attracted controversy.
But the Central Ward councillor assured ratepayers they were getting top value for money.
“We spend a lot more than this to develop sporting ovals and nobody bats an eyelid,” Cr Lempriere said. “Art is a very important part of a wellrounded community and council is getting an extremely good deal, a worldrenowned sculptor at a bargain price.
“I think the general feeling among the majority of people is that this initative is very positive.”
The Paul Johnson sculpture will be installed outside the entrance to the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Later projects are to be built outside the entrance to Cardinia LiFE, the new aquatic and recreation centre and at the western end of the lake at Lakeside.
Mrs O’Connor and other residents have questioned why the focus appeared to be solely on Lakeside.
Cr Lempriere said Delfin was contributing half the cost of the artworks.
She said the company was not obliged to spend a cent on raising Pakenham’s public art profile but had agreed because it shared the vision of an attractive and vibrant community where innovation and creativity were valued.
She pointed out that the aquatic centre was not part of Lakeside and said other estates were also being encouraged to open their hearts to the arts.
“I have spoken to other developers and have a handshake agreement with at least one of them for spending of $50,000 on public art,” Cr Lempriere said.
“I can assure residents it’s not just about Lakeside. We are very conscious of (the need) for more public art throughout the township.”