By BEN CAMERON
CARDINIA Shire Council cannot justify spending more than $30,000 on a “vague” dual-art scholarship each year, according to Central Ward councillor George Blenkhorn.
Under a proposal from Central Ward Cr Collin Ross, two $15,000 Cardinia Shire Cultural scholarships would be awarded each year to two artists – one under the age of 23 and a mature age applicant – for “cultural specific” projects.
The Gazette revealed in August that the council would spend approximately $80,000 on two art projects – The Kooweerup Public Art Project and a new arts and cultural study.
It has also forecast to spend $3.25m over the next three years on a new arts facility.
Cr Blenkhorn said the terms of the scholarships were “too broad” and costs could balloon out to $35,000, if a proposed “extensive advertising program” was adopted.
“I certainly can’t support this,” he said.
“It’s very vague, very broad. What is ‘cultural specific’? Is it performing arts? Is it music? What is it?
“How expensive is it going to be? Don’t know.
“Eligibility needs defining.
“Spending money like this, I can’t justify it.”
Central Ward Cr Kate Lemriere, a champion of local art, said the plan was “very vague” but worthy of investigation.
“I support the arts at every opportunity, but I think this really needs to be tightened up,” she said.
“$30,000 is just way over what we would possibly consider.
“This is probably over the top for the arts budget.
“We spend an awful a lot of money on sport and recreational facilities, which is terrific.
“I’m not against, but Cr Ross has merit in raising something like this, but I can’t support this particular motion as it is.”
However, Cr Ross was said it was “astounding” councillors were looking at the idea in a negative light considering the millions which are spent on sports facilities.
“I hear it getting talked down, quite amazing,” he said.
“I am absolutely astounded one area of our community would be so heavily chastised.”
Councillors voted to conduct an investigation and produce a report before March, with a view to the first awards being handed out in October.
