Funding found to complete Barceló work in Cathedral

THE Balearic government and the Palma city council will provide the finance needed to complete the work of artist Miquel Barceló in St Peter's chapel in the Cathedral. The work includes the installation of stained glass windows and illumination. The commitment was signed before Bishop of Majorca Mgr Jesus Murgui by Mayor Catalina Cirer and Francesc Fiol, Balearic minister of education and culture. It is hoped that work will be completed before the end of next year.
The government and city council will provide the Fundació Art a la Seu, the Foundation set up to pay for the work, with the million euros for the stained glass windows and an unspecified amount for the lighting, once the first stage of work is completed. This first phase has cost 2.5 million euros and includes a ceramic mural depicting the miracle of the loaves and fishes.
Earlier this month, Fiol had been reticent to provide public funding for the work. He justified the change in opinion in the “perception” of the danger that the Foundation's lack of resources could leave Barcelo's work unfinished. The Foundation's members include the Council of Majorca and Balearic University as well as private sponsors.
Fiol said that any contributions from other institutions “would be welcomed.” Cirer said that the council and government had wanted to “join forces and find a way to solve the situation,” so that the work could be completed.
It was not clear how the government and the city council would share the cost.