Within 24 hours of its installation, a new piece of public art was the subject of vandalism.

Magpies, by internationally-renowned Australian artists Gillie and Marc, was positioned outside Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre on Tuesday.

When staff members arrived at work on Wednesday, they noticed two of the four copper ropes in the artwork had been bent overnight.

Magpies consists of four birds holding ropes which are suspended on cement plinths.

It was the first of five permanent works to be installed in town over five years, as part of Muswellbrook Shire Council’s public art program.

The plinths were designed by Arts Centre staff members, and purpose-built locally.

Mr Franks said the damage was estimated at around $20,000.

“Overall, it’s all about the beautification of Muswellbrook,” he said.

“It’s pretty discouraging and disappointing to hear someone damaged the first [artwork in the program].

“You have people complaining about Muswellbrook being an ugly, dirty town.

“We have a great opportunity to build something to bring people to Muswellbrook.

“If we have a series of great public art around town then we can really put Muswellbrook out there for cultural tourism.

“That’s what council is trying to do.”

At closer look, Mr Franks noticed one of the bronze ropes was not only bent, but also snapped.

He said the cement plinths would need to be removed and the artwork repaired.

But, this is not the first time the location has been a target of art vandalism.

A couple of years ago, a group of people damaged a piece of loaned art installed in the same place.

“There’s obviously a lack of [town] pride in Muswellbrook,” Mr Franks said.

The vandalism was captured on CCTV footage by a nearby camera, and police know who was responsible.