Sculptures pushed over at Kiama’s Black Beach Reserve. Council is urging anyone with information about ongoing vandalism to call CrimeStoppers. Photo: Kiama Council.
Just days after Kiama’s Sculpture Walk opened, vandals have knocked over artworks, set fire to a bin and damaged a public toilet block.
Acting Mayor Melissa Matters said she was appalled by the antisocial behaviour.
“Finances are tight at council and the last thing we want to be doing is having to clean up after mindless vandals,” she said.
“The local community takes great pride in our public spaces and ratepayer funds support the upkeep of our facilities, which provide a sense of belonging and wellbeing.
“It’s disgusting to see these disgraceful acts occurring and I urge anyone who has any information about this vandalism to contact council or Crime Stoppers.”
Over the past week, sculptures were knocked over at Black Beach Reserve, toilet blocks have been vandalised, a bin was set on fire and glass bottles have been smashed at the rotunda at Coronation Park.
Glass bottles smashed in the Calderwood Park rotunda. Photo: Kiama Council.
Supplied by ARTpark Australia with funding from the NSW Government, the Kiama Sculpture Walk, which kicked off on 10 April, features a series of artistic creations by Australian sculptors for gardens and public spaces, mixing passion for contemporary structures with bronze, stainless and Corten steel.
The creative structures are scattered from Hindmarsh Park to Kiama Harbour and will be in place until July as part of the annual Kiama Winter Street Festival.
Cr Matters said ARTpark Australia’s curator had been encouraged by the enthusiasm of visitors to the Sculpture Walk; however, they were disappointed by the few people who chose to damage the artworks.
To report witnessed vandalism, visit Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.
To report damages to council, click here or call 02 4232 0444.
