Museums are aware of the drizzle on public statues in other cities. In Kuopio, statues are sometimes vandalised, while in Joensuu they have so far been left alone.
Museums in Joensuu and Kuopio are concerned about the actions of scrap metal collectors on public statues, including in Tampere. However, so far no specific action has been taken in Joensuu or Kuopio to prevent the crimes.
– Bronze sculptures are hollow, after all, and they don’t weigh much. So the monetary benefit is very small,” he points out.
Vilkuna believes that people who take statues or parts of statues from public places will be caught, as there are often other people or other surveillance.
– In general, there is a little bit of camera surveillance everywhere.
Vandalism is sometimes done to the statues in Kuopio, but according to Vilkunna, it is not a big problem.
– People are sometimes a little thoughtless.
He is not concerned with any particular work. For example, Tori’s *Brother* and *Siskontyttö* are also protected by their reputation as beloved works.
– If someone tried to do something to them, they would get quite a lot of public hatred. Certain works are such cornerstones of identity, says Vilkuna.
Joensuu is also aware of the vandalism of statues elsewhere in Finland.
Kuosmanen, who started in the position last year, does not remember that the statues in Joensuu have been damaged in the past with the intention of vandalism or theft.
The temporarily exhibited works have sometimes been damaged. For example, the original fiberglass version of the *Kosiosuden* of Joensuu market was damaged in the Susi Pop Art art exhibition held in 2006. The current wolf cast in bronze has been allowed to rest in peace.
Kuosmanen believes that there are still discussions with the city about securing the statues. He does not want to take a position on possible means.
He is not concerned with any particular statue. Well-known works, such as the Statue of Liberty in the center, are already protected by the form of the work.
– It has such a high base that you would first have to climb three meters to reach it at all, says Kuosmanen.