Brimbank council will spend $100,000 on a legacy artwork for the Sunshine town centre.
Man lifting cow, designed by former Sunshine resident an internationally renowned artist John Kelly, will be made in Sunshine at the Fundere foundry with works expected to begin in September.
Chair of Brimbank Administrators John Watson said $100,000 had been allocated in the council’s capital works budget from 2014-15.
Council’s contribution was raised at last night’s council meeting by former mayor Margaret Giudice.
“Placing the artwork in Sunshine provides the potential for cultural tourism and the flow on economic benefits,” a council report found.
The work, one of three in a series by Mr Kelly, is being made for council at a “significantly subsidised cost” through the generosity of the former Sunshine resident.
The council say it has secured substantial philanthropic and corporate financial contributions and significant in kind support for the project.
“This information will remain confidential in confidence until parties have agreed on terms,” it found.
The council applied for state government funding but its application was rejected.
Council Administrator Jane Nathan said Mr Kelly’s offer was too good to pass up.
“We often overlook the importance of art,” she said.
“It wasn’t touted by council, we’ve been approached. It would be short sighted to not take up this very generous offer by a world renowned artist.
“It will be an artwork shared by generations to come.
“It won’t be hard work to find the money for this project.”
