Tuna Art Work At Portuguese Institute Draws Flak

The façade of Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), located in the Algés municipality, was recently decorated with a giant tuna illustration for a whopping EUR 20,000 (USD 20,773). This did not sit well with the Institute’s staff who pointed out that the offices and laboratories inside the building are in urgent need of a revamp, and spending thousands of euros for a painting is outrageous, reported local news sites. One of them said that the façade itself is in a dilapidated condition and needs repair.

IPMA hit back saying that it had spent EUR 500,00 on various renovations works and some are underway. It also pointed out that most staff are happy with the tuna art and have no complaints. The art work, created by Pedro Salgado, was approved by the IPMA Board of Directors ahead of the Institute’s thirteenth anniversary celebrations.