A community petition is likely to prompt Council to temporarily halt the removal of popular nature strip art installations in Danks Street Middle Park (between Mills Street and Kerferd Road).
The quirky and playful mini sculptures are the work of local Frank Artuso and have been appearing with the permission of residents over the past decade.
TWiSK understands that Council initially ordered the artist to remove the art works after receiving a complaint from the public.
Locals unite
Council’s ‘move it or lose it’ response prompted locals to erect a notice in support of the art and start their own petition.
The petition, now with over 700 signatures, noted that the artistic sculptures:
> are not affixed to any council structure and are easily moved by one adult person
> are only placed outside dwellings where residents have given their permission
> are carefully located away from all traffic so as to avoid loss or injury to persons
> have been on display for up to ten years
> are created from discarded materials destined for landfill and all collected from within
the city of Port Phillip boundaries
> and are regularly maintained.
Three month investigation into Nature Strip Guidelines & Public Art Policy
On Wednesday, Council will vote to place the removal the sculptures on hold while an
investigation into this matter takes place, including whether the sculptures are
permissible under the Nature Strip Guidelines or Public Art Policy.
Mayor Heather Cunsolo responds to petitioners concerns
“While we love passionate residents wanting to make our public spaces brighter, we need to ensure any additions appearing – from swings to art work – are safe and enhance amenity.
“After receiving a community complaint, our local laws officers contacted the Middle Park resident who installed these sculptures on public land. We have informed them that the artworks can remain while officers investigate whether they meet the requirements of our Nature Strip Guidelines or Public Art Policy.
“A report is then expected to be brought to Council in the next few months for a decision.”
A community petition supporting the sculptures will also be heard at our next council meeting on 19 June.
