An anonymous person has donated a substantial sculpture by the late Paul Dibble to the Lakes District Arts Trust to be placed on the Wānaka lakefront for the community.

Paul Dibble was a New Zealand born sculptor who died last year at the age of 80. He was well known for large-scale, cast-bronze sculptures.

The Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) was told by council staff last week that, while the donor wishes to remain anonymous, they requested a specific location for the sculpture - between Stoney Creek and the Wānaka Watersports Facility.

Dibble was renowned for large, bronze sculptures, often of the human form.

However, a council report proposed a new site for the sculpture: the west side of Stoney Creek.

“Placement of the sculpture in a prominent location on the Wānaka lakefront will contribute to the cultural well-being of communities…,” the council report said.

“It’s a very peaceful space,” WUCCB member Linda Joll said during the board’s discussion of the site at its meeting on Thursday (July 11). 

WUCCB chair Simon Telfer thanked council staff for supporting the donation and plans for its placement. 

“We look forward to it,” he said.

The Lakes District Arts Trust receives an annual grant of $50,000 which is approved through the Long Term Plan. The funding is used to purchase and maintain public artworks in the district on behalf of QLDC. 

IMAGES: Supplied