Cayce could pay up to $355K for world-famous public art. Some are skeptical
Hidden beneath a canopy of trees or sidling along a river’s edge, towering troll sculptures are hidden across the world for explorers to discover.
The City of Cayce wants one.
But on Tuesday, negotiations for an installation were stalled. Some residents have met proposal with excitement, while others are skeptical.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is renowned for his larger-than-life troll sculptures constructed from reclaimed and recycled materials. The trolls are often tucked away in forests or public spaces, and “accompanied by narratives that blend folklore, environmentalism, and community participation.”
The first troll debuted in 2014, and for more than a decade, hundreds of sculptures have been built throughout the United States and spanned across multiple continents. Finding the trolls has become something of a game, almost like a treasure hunt.
Cayce announced negotiations for the project in February, boasting that the project would make the city the first in South Carolina to host a Dambo troll. The announcement shared hopes of spurring tourism and economic growth in the area. City Manager Michael Conley said in news release that he expected it to be a “signature attraction” with the potential to attract visitors, support local businesses and enhance residents’ quality of life.
City council voted to authorize an agreement with Dambo for up to $355,000, according to minutes from the Feb. 3 council meeting. Mayor Elise Partin explained it would be funded through Cayce’s accommodations and hospitality tax.
The public art installation would be a “one-time capital investment,” officials said, with a return on investment through visitor spending. According to a news release, cities of similar size report between 30% and 60% increases in park visitation, tens of thousands of new visitors annually and millions of dollars in estimated economic impact within years.
Katty Hite, a resident and founding member of the Cayce Arts Guild, encouraged city council to fund the project at Tuesday’s meeting.
“My family and I have seen them, in person, in Maine, they were older than five years old and they looked amazing,” Hite said. “They are so thrilling to look at. They are such a tourist attraction.”
Resident Chip Salak expressed doubts. He questioned whether the city had done enough research on the cost of the project, as well as its longevity and required upkeep.
“I think the least we can do as a council and as a city is to truly inform the people in this city what this troll is all about. What the cons are, the pros are, and realistically what can be done,” Salak said. “I don’t know that this is the time.”
Ron Wright, another resident, told city council he was opposed to the city commissioning a troll sculpture.
“I think it’s doubtful it will generate any significant tax revenue for Cayce,” Wright said. “I don’t think anybody’s going to travel just to Cayce, just to see the troll. If they’re already in the area, they may come by.”
Wright said without a lot of hotels or fine dining, visitors will instead opt to stay in Columbia or West Columbia.
“Our riverwalk is more than 20 years old now ... it’s showing signs of wear and tear,” Wright said. “I think the $355,000 would be much better spent on improving what we have.”
City council was poised to discuss contract negotiations with Dambo during a closed door meeting on Tuesday, but that didn’t happen.
Councilman Byron Thomas made a motion to go into executive session, but specifically left out that item. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Tiffany Aull and passed unanimously. Councilwoman Alice Rose made a motion to discuss the Dambo troll negotiations, but it died without a second.
This story was originally published April 8, 2026 at 12:28 PM.
