Walsall Council has paid at least £143,000 to the art company responsible for the controversial corgis unveiled in Walsall Arboretum this year. The amount covers nine art projects across the borough, but the real total paid to Planet Art remains unknown since the authority said it ‘no longer holds’ information for three projects commissioned to the company.
An internal review has been requested into the council’s decision to withhold the information for the three remaining artworks. The Freedom of Information request was submitted after the council announced it paid £35,000 to Planet Art for two giant corgis unveiled in Walsall Arboretum in October.
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The commission was to create a memorial to the late Queen and to celebrate the Arboretum’s 150th anniversary. But the sheer cost of the five-foot statues came under fierce scrutiny, especially since the Walsall Council announced several cost-cutting proposals to balance the books next year – including a 4.99 percent council tax hike.
Julie Edwards and Ron Thompson of Planet Art have been commissioned to create a number of public art projects across the borough of Walsall. As well as the Arboretum, the company’s work features in Willenhall Memorial Park, Darlaston, Bentley, Bloxwich and Chuckery.
A spokesperson from Walsall Council said: “Public art plays an important role in shaping the borough’s culture and identity. Over the last 20 years, Walsall Council has commissioned Planet Art to create a number of public art projects in and around green spaces and parks within the borough.
“Commissions have been procured in line with the council’s relevant policies and procedures. Planet Art is a Walsall-based arts partnership which is experienced in creating work for the public realm.”