A planned public art installation in Liepāja, Latvia, has become the focus of debate as the city prepares to serve as a European Capital of Culture in 2027. While intended to launch the city’s cultural program, the project has faced scrutiny over its cost, location, and sourcing.
Sculpture Design and Initial Approval
Artist Krišs Salmanis won a design competition a year ago for a sculpture intended for the intersection of Graudu Street and Kūrmājas Avenue. The winning design, titled “Pūtiens,” is described as a three-meter diameter mirrored metal sculpture resembling a tilted ring or lifebuoy, which reveals a unicorn head when viewed from different angles. The sculpture is planned to be constructed from 316L steel at a cost of 60,000 euros.
Council Objections and Ministry Response
During a December 16th council meeting, objections were raised regarding the sculpture’s location, appearance, and overall cost, leading to an initial lack of full approval. This prompted a statement from the Ministry of Culture criticizing the council’s decision to reject the work selected by an international jury.
Conditional Approval and Ongoing Concerns
A subsequent meeting on December 18th resulted in a conditional approval of the project. The council agreed to proceed with a deal with the artist, but stipulated a review of the sculpture’s location with the possibility of relocation after Liepāja’s term as European Capital of Culture ends in 2028. The city mayor will also oversee the artwork’s production. The vote was not unanimous, passing with 7 votes in favor, 4 against, 2 abstentions, and 2 councillors not participating.
Councillor Jānis Vilnītis (Latvian Association of Regions) questioned the project’s financial estimates, specifically transportation costs. Concerns were also raised about the planned sourcing of components from a factory in China and whether this complies with the terms of the European-backed project. Uldis Hmieļevskis (Liepāja Party) noted the irony of manufacturing the sculpture in China given Liepāja’s history as an industrial city and former location of a major steelworks.
Pāvels Jurs (Latvian Association of Regions) criticized the perceived lack of public input in the decision-making process. Vilmārs Vecvagaris (National Alliance) reported feeling “unprecedented pressure” from the non-governmental sector, the Minister of Culture, and media publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Pūtiens” sculpture intended to represent?
The sculpture is described as a minimalist mirrored metal sculpture resembling a tilted ring or lifebuoy, which reveals a unicorn head when viewed from different angles.
When did the Liepāja City Council first vote on the sculpture project?
The Liepāja City Council first voted on the sculpture project on December 16th, resulting in an initial lack of full approval.
What conditions were attached to the council’s final approval of the sculpture?
The council approved the project with the conditions that the sculpture’s location be reviewed for possible relocation in 2028 and that the city mayor oversee its production.
As Liepāja moves forward with preparations for its year as a European Capital of Culture, will the city be able to navigate these artistic and logistical challenges to deliver a project that satisfies both its creative vision and the concerns of its elected officials and citizens?
