Art committee chases control over spending

The City of Bunbury Art Collection Committee has asked Bunbury City Council to give it delegated authority over how it spends its funding.

The move would take the power away from council staff and hand it to the volunteers.

At the moment, City of Bunbury chief executive officer Andrew Brien has authority but has to consult with the council’s art registrar-curator and the committee prior to the disposal or purchase of any artworks.

Mr Brien expressed his objection in the council’s agenda for tonight’s meeting, stating the “easier and more cost effective approach is to leave the delegation to the CEO”.

“This is reflective of current arrangements and has not resulted in any problems in recent times,” he said.

It was noted in the council agenda for tonight’s meeting there would be a “considerable” financial impact if the delegated authority was transferred to the committee, because it would require additional resources.

The committee was an independent body for more than 25 years before affiliating with the council in 2007.

The volunteer-based committee stages the Bunbury Biennale exhibitions and provides advice on the protection, acquisition, conservation, promotion and exhibitions of the city’s collection.

The collection started with the donation of artworks from Sir Claude Hotchin and has grown to include nearly 500 works, worth more than $2.5 million.

The committee will also present the council with a policy of how it will “strive to develop and maintain a significant regional art collection”.

The issue will be discussed, debated and voted on tonight and next week.