'Deliberately damaged': public art sculpture targeted, police investigating

Police are seeking witnesses after a public art installation in south Canberra was targeted in a recent vandalism incident.

The brass sculpture, in front of the Tuggeranong Community Centre, had been mounted on a tall metal pole at the end of a timber jetty.

The brass sculpture, depicting a water spirit, hoisted on the wooden jetty at Lake Tuggeranong before it was cut down, inset. Pictures Arts ACT, ACT Policing

The artwork, titled Naiad, was commissioned in 2024 and was installed at the lookout as part of foreshore upgrades at Lake Tuggeranong.

ACT Policing said the metal pole was deliberately cut, using an angle grinder or a similar power tool, "at some point in recent days".

The brass sculpture, depicting a water spirit, hoisted on the wooden jetty at Lake Tuggeranong before it was cut down. Picture Arts ACT

The sculpture paid homage to ancient water spirits and was inspired by freshwater nymphs from Greek mythology, according to Arts ACT.

Multiple residents have voiced their disappointment on social media, labelling the vandalism senseless and pointless.

Investigators have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers ACT quoting reference number 8454816.

The artwork seen partially submerged in Lake Tuggeranong following the vandalism incident. Pictures ACT Policing, ACT Arts