The GC in highway lights might still shine as councillors consider compromise deal

There has been a surprise recommendation to use the controversial Yatala lights display in yet another different way as council moves to dismantle the eyesore.

THE letters “GC” could remain in the northern gateway sign in the latest twist as the council moves to dismantle the $2.1 million eyesore.

The Bulletin has learned all councillors would consider keeping part of the artwork before deciding its fate at next Wednesday’s full council meeting.

After a backlash from furious ratepayers, councillors this week recommended the M1 sign at Yatala be dumped at a council depot and the poles and lights be used in city parks.

The Yatala entry statement. Picture Mike Batterham Gold Coast sign lights art installation

“You could keep the G and the C in the sign,” a council source said yesterday. “A recommendation suggesting that could be considered by councillors.”

The northern entry sign would then resemble the southern gateway statement created by New York artists commissioned by the council and the State Government.

However, LOT-EK artist Ada Tolla, who is stunned by the development, is opposed to any changes and welcomes public debate about the set art piece.

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Councillor Dawn Crichlow at council. Photo by Richard Gosling.

“This is a real insult,” Ms Tolla said. “The installation is completely site-specific — from the words Gold Coast to the setting and movement of the letters, the sculpture follows and adapts to the highway constraints and regulations.”

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Motorists on the M1 cannot see “Gold Coast” lit up and only those on side roads are able to view it.

Ms Tolla was horrified to learn the poles and lights could be used in parks and other public spaces.

The Bulletin understands council officers as early as September last year contacted the artists about their concerns.

“Disappointing, and very expensive,” Ms Tolla told the Bulletin.

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We could have something similar in the northern gateway.

It is expected to cost residents $255,000 to tear down the sign. However, veteran councillor Dawn Crichlow estimates it will cost $1 million to place the entire work at another location.

“To move the piece is complex since the work has foundations,” Ms Tolla said.

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“Think of it as trees, with their roots below the ground, and with all the electrical connections below. There is no victory in demolition or dismantling, just a lot of money to destroy or break, rather than build.”

She said LOT-EK had been invited to submit a proposal for a “large public art piece”.

A council email said the City was “searching for an artist to deliver iconic gateways to the Gold Coast that are as visually bold, expressive and memorable as the city itself”.

“The idea of using the city name, Gold Coast, is entirely ours and the Gateway Public Art Commission and council were totally behind it — in fact the project won after a competition that included five artists’ proposals,” Ms Tolla said.

“The sites were decided prior to the competition. Our proposal showed the work as it was built – both in renderings and an actual animation.

“The sculpture was meant to be experienced in motion, in one direction and then reverse, depending on the direction of traffic. It was never envisioned as a ‘sign’ to be seen straight on.”

Ms Tolla said the best value about art was it raised questions and a wider debate was needed to better understand the work before it was moved.