Editorial: Sculpture evidence the arts are alive

OPINION: Yesterday Palmerston North's newest public sculpture was unveiled, and today the public scrutiny will begin in earnest. Like any piece of art, some people will like it, some will dislike it, and others will be indifferent.

Personally, I think it is a spectacular piece; magnificent in its design and mesmerising in its movement. It is a beautiful addition to the city that we can all be proud of.

Of course, there will probably be plenty of people who do not share that view, and they have every right to say so. Art can provoke a hundred different reactions from a hundred different people, conjuring thoughts, emotions, and memories unique to each individual viewing it.

As the letters and texts to the editor begin to flow in, I only hope the tired and short-sighted criticisms of the Palmerston North City Council for subsidising the sculptures are a thing of the past. The council has put $50,000 towards each of the three sculptures erected in the city, with the Palmerston North Sculpture Trust matching that amount through grants and donations.

The city council can't win. It is routinely criticised as being backward and visionless, then attacked as financially irresponsible when it supports something as tangibly positive for the city's image as a public sculpture. The Palmerston North Sculpture Trust is a group of people striving to make their city a better place for everyone; the council should be applauded for supporting their efforts. The benefit the people of Palmerston North receive for their modest investment is not quantifiable, but just because a number cannot be attributed to it in a spreadsheet does not mean there is none.

How council spends ratepayers' money should never be above scrutiny, but let's keep a little perspective. Our councillors didn't go door knocking on a whim and shake down all the ratepayers they could find to raise the required cash. The money was budgeted for during an annual plan process that involved extensive public consultation and input. The nay-sayers who will predictably hammer the council now another sculpture has been unveiled are the type of people this city needs fewer of. They will pooh-pooh any initiatives to progress Palmerston North as a vibrant, dynamic place to live, yet offer none of their own.

If the sculpture unveiled yesterday is not your cup of tea, that's fine. But after you've considered its artistic merit, take a step back and look at it as a structure that represents a city embracing arts and culture as a means of making it a better, more interesting place.What a great weekend we had in the region. Not only was the weather fantastic, but there was so much to do. The More FM winery tour on Friday night was a fantastic showcase of three Kiwi music legends; Small Town Big Sounds at the Tui Brewery was popular on Saturday; and Tiki Tane rocked The Square as well. Manawatu is boring? Yeah, right.

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