Cayce council approves agreement with artist Thomas Dambo for Riverwalk sculpture after divided public comment

Cayce, S.C. — The Cayce City Council on April 27 approved an agreement with Danish artist Thomas Dambo to install a large-scale public-art sculpture on the Cayce Riverwalk, voting 3–2 to authorize the city manager to execute the contract.

City Attorney James Smith presented council with a draft agreement and an overview of the project, which the city described as an economic-development and tourism initiative. Smith said the proposal remains under negotiation and would not become binding without formal council approval. The presentation estimated a $350,000 base contract for design, fabrication and installation, plus $50,000–$90,000 in additional project-related expenses, for a total projected investment of approximately $400,000–$440,000. Funding sources identified included legally restricted Hospitality Tax and Accommodations Tax revenues, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds, grants, sponsorships, private donations and in-kind contributions. City Manager Michael Conley noted roughly $100,000 in existing hospitality and accommodations tax balances and additional eligible TIF revenue could be used to leverage outside funding.

Under the proposed terms explained in the presentation, the City would be responsible for site preparation, permits, logistical support, installation assistance and long-term maintenance (estimated at about $3,000–$5,000 annually). The artist would retain ownership of the sculpture; the City would receive a renewable 10-year license contingent on proper maintenance.

Public comment at the special meeting was sharply divided. Opponents raised concerns that Cayce currently lacks sufficient restaurants, retail and hotel capacity to retain tourism spending and warned that neighboring municipalities could capture most visitor dollars. Resident Robin Reese told council Cayce should “prioritize Cayce’s interests” and urged members to vote against using tourism tax revenues for the project. Ron Wright and Brian Prevatte also opposed using public funds, arguing comparable installations are often funded through private donations and grants and warning total costs could exceed estimates.

Supporters said the sculpture could bolster the city’s Arts District and attract visitors and new businesses. Renea Eshleman, president of the Cayce Arts Guild, said the installation has generated excitement in the local arts community and could catalyze further public art. Joe Long called the proposal Cayce’s “moonshot moment,” citing examples from other communities where Thomas Dambo sculptures drew substantial visitor traffic.

Several residents urged a cautious financial approach. Chip Salak asked for clearer answers on site-preparation costs and long-term durability; Danny Creamer and others recommended pursuing outside sponsorships and private fundraising to reduce the city’s exposure. Nim Norris opposed the project on religious grounds, saying the troll motif conflicts with his Christian beliefs.

Council Member Alice Rose moved to enter executive session for negotiations and legal advice under S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-70(a)(2); the motion passed 4–1. After returning from executive session, Council Member Tiffany Aull moved to approve the agreement with Thomas Dambo and authorize the city manager to execute it; Council Member Alice Rose seconded and the motion carried 3–2. The minutes record that no action was taken during the executive session other than to adjourn and later resume the regular meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

The approved draft agreement remains subject to the final contracting steps described by the city attorney and staff; council did not publicly identify how each member voted in the recorded 3–2 tally.