The mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, believes that it will be the most significant artwork built in Australia for decades. However, as she stated at a council meeting on Monday, “There has been a lack of corporation and, in fact we have been amped in every way with this exciting project”.
Christine Foster, the liberal councillor said that the project has been a disaster from the start, and referred to the arch as a “ridiculous vanity project”.
The cost for the project has increased from $3.55m to $22m and this escalating cost has caused a great controversy with the city council with members like Kerryn Phelps who urged the council to guarantee to cancel the project if it will cost more than $11.3m.
This increase in cost may seem high at first glance, however it is nothing compared to what the city spends on sport; the demolition of the Sydney Football St
adium and the cost to build the new one will sum up to 729m
The cloud evokes a spirit of openness and freedom. The soaring arch, by reaching for the sky, encourages people to dream and to be bold in striving to realize their ambitions
Although it is a very pricey project, it is important for any city council to provide commissioned pieces for the city. A large piece by a world famous artist will not only encourage visitors from around the world, but create a beautiful experience for the everyday pedestrian. Street art is an experience, and should be given the same importance as other leisure’s such as sport.