Rocky Wins in a Split Decision

by KYW’s Mike Dunn

It wasn't a knockout for Rocky -- more of a split decision.  The Philadelphia Art Commission, which oversees public art throughout the city, has voted 6-2 to allow the famed "Rocky" statue to reside at the foot of the art museum steps.

In one corner you had art purists, including some on the art commission, who believe the statue is pure kitsch and shouldn’t be anywhere near the art museum.  

 

In the other corner, Sylvester Stallone and Mayor Street, both of whom favor placing the statue on the museum grounds adjacent to the steps.  

 

Street’s commerce chief is Stephanie Naidoff, who was pleased with the art commission's vote:

“We're thrilled.  The mayor very much wanted to see this happen.”

 

Among those voting 'yes' was commissioner Nancy Kolb:

 

“There are so many people who come to Philadelphia to see the Rocky statue, that it ought to be readily accessible.  And having it at the sports stadium has confused people.”

 

Local artist Moe Brooker was among the two 'no' votes:

 

“I don’t think it's art.  I think it’s a statue.  And I think that it served its purpose when it was at the Spectrum.”

 

The other 'no' vote was from commissioner Miguel-Angel Corzo:

 
“The statue belongs in the city.  But it doesn’t belong in that place.”
 

Emanuel Kelly voted 'yes.'  He said the statue should be there for one reason:

 
“Because of the significance as a cultural icon, and the feelings it conveys to so many people who come to the city of Philadelphia.”

 
Brooker disputed that idea:

 
“People run up and down the steps continually because of the idea of Rocky, not because of the statue of Rocky.”

  
The mayor has declared this "Philly Loves Rocky Week" in Philadelphia. The dedication is now scheduled for Friday evening at 6pm, with Stallone himself expected to take part.

 

Following the dedication: a showing of the original "Rocky" movie.