Launceston’s new $1 million gateway sculpture has arrived and Mayor Matthew Garwood is making one thing clear: ratepayers are not paying for it.
Sky Vessels, designed by Launceston-born artist Katie Stackhouse, is part of the state government’s Northern Gateway Improvements Program.
Similar works have already gone up in Burnie and Devonport.
The piece is being installed on the Midland Highway’s Southern Outlet near the Pipeworks Road overpass.
“This isn’t coming from Council’s budget, so there is no direct cost to Launceston ratepayers,” he said.
“We’re very appreciative and we love seeing investment and partnerships into our city and into the municipalities around the north.”
The artwork was chosen after submissions went to the Council’s Cultural Advisory Committee, which is made up of community members, experts and councillors.
Shortlisted concepts then went to a four-week public vote, with more than 1,000 votes cast.
Sky Vessels won with 50.85% of the vote, narrowly beating Kanamaluka Kanalaritja by Lola Greeno.
40 artists applied for the commission.
The three large forms take their inspiration from the boulders and rock pools of Duck Reach and the Cataract Gorge.
They rest among what Garwood described as a “river of stone” representing the landscape, the flow of water and the strength of local stonemasonry.
“This artwork is bold, creative and a real reflection of Launceston’s spirit – it captures who we are and proudly marks our city as the gateway to the north,” Garwood said.
Stackhouse said she hoped the work would prompt people to think about water.
“It’s designed so that when you come down the highway you’ll see it at different angles, every time you come down there’ll be something new to see,” she told 7NEWS.
Not everyone is convinced, with locals expressing varied views about the sculpture online – including some comparing it to a series of oversized coconuts.
Garwood said the debate was part of the point.
“What’s really important is that art is a conversation starter and those conversations have well and truly started,” he said.
