In response to the Save the Kebab’s campaign, Acting Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds has submitted a Notice of Motion (NOM).
We appreciate the gesture, we want assurance that -
Exisiting important artwork is prioritised - restore the Ore Obelisk in its original location, restore the Arch in its original location, don't put Boonji Spaceman in Stirling Gardens.
A NOM signifies that a councillor intends to propose a motion for discussion and decision at a council meeting.
The full Notice of Motion including the administration’s feedback is available at the following link, page 321.
We’ve copied it here for you.
Councillor Bruce Reynolds
Date Received 13 March 2025
Motion That Council REQUESTS the CEO to:
1. Redevelop an Prepare a Public Art Strategy inclusive of:
a. a vision, principles, objectives, and other recommendations.
b. potential partnerships with academic, cultural and business institutions
c. a City of Perth Artwork Loan Program for galleries and/or community venues.
d. a Public Art Investment Program which:
i. facilitates engagement with private benefactors, philanthropic organizations, and corporate sponsors to fund new public art as well as restoration initiatives.
ii. a Public Art Acquisition Program which:
e. supports new strategic City-led public art acquisitions.
f. considers whole-of-life installation, maintenance, and renewal costs.
g. a Public Art Framework that defines community consultation and advisory group feedback
2. Prepare a report for Council detailing:
a. public artworks currently in storage, their restoration and reinstatement costs, and options for these works to be included in a future budget.
b. any State and Federal grants that support public art conservation.
c. additional opportunities for temporary exhibitions and semi/permanent installations in City-owned and private spaces, as well as digital platforms.
3. Prepare a report for Council to investigate establishing:
a. an annual Public Art Award which:
i. includes prize categories supportive of emerging and established Western Australian artists whose works focus on the City and the people of Perth.
ii. incorporates prize sponsorship, artist promotion, and acquisition of winning piece(s) for the City’s permanent collection and display.
iii. Establish marketing for artist promotion including artist-in-residence opportunities.
iv. Develop processes for commissioning and the acquisition of winning pieces
4. Review the Ore Obelisk Mining Monument and the Northridge (sic) “The Arch”, with options papers presented to Council by the next meeting:
a. Its cultural, heritage and historical significance
b. Existing and past quotations, restoration advice and engineering reports.
c. Feasibility and the cost of restoration, reinterpretation or reimagined work.
d. Investigate potential funding sources, including external grants & sponsorships.
e. Conduct further community and stakeholder engagement, including consultation with the artist’s family as well as established and indigenous artists.
Reasons Provided
Public art is a vital part of Perth’s identity, and its conservation and presentation must be strategically managed. This motion seeks to establish a clear direction through a Public Art Strategy for preserving, displaying, and acquiring public art, whereby ensuring responsible stewardship of the City’s cultural assets.
The introduction of an annual Public Art Award will allow the City to support local talent, invest in culturally significant works, and foster artistic excellence. Prize initiatives could potentially include an artist-in-residence program, pre-qualification for a public mural commission, acquisition of works, or other supporting initiatives.
Ensuring the winning artworks contribute to the City’s cultural identity and public art catalogue. Public Art Acquisitions should take into account the whole-of-life cost, and relevance to Perth’s cultural narrative.
Public works currently in storage should also be subject to a thorough review to determine their future enjoyment by the broader Perth community.
This motion acknowledges the contributions of Cr Gobbert for his support with development of this motion, community members who raised concerns, and Cr Bevan for his valuable input on the awards initiative.