JFK FOR FLOODGATE STREET – Seems the old mosaic is destined for Floodgate Street following last night’s consultation meeting at The Irish Centre. Even better news is that:
Proposals to revamp the artwork by including more contemporary figures such as Nelson Mandela – described as “crazy” by Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture Martin Mullaney – were rejected.
I’ve heard they are not neccessarily going to preserve the mosiac in its entirety, but are considering using bits of it, like a kind of pick and mix artwork – not a very intelligent idea if this is true. The word ‘respect’ comes to mind, for artworks and the integrity of them. It is usually a standard contractual clause that artworks cannot be altered without permission from their creator/the artist. Who is actually ‘looking after’ the JFK mosaic and do they have the required sensitivities to do so properly? That is doubtful given the “crazy” idea to update (read ‘vandalise’) it with new characters. In this time of user generated content maybe it shoud go to the public vote, we could get Homer Simpson and Arni in there somewhere, and of course it wouldn’t be complete without Noddy Holder and Lenny Henry…
I think there were proposals to possibly alter the piece but I thought these had been rejected? Birmingham City Council are looking after the piece I think but I know the Irish Forum have played a big part in ensuring there was a public consultation.