| Principality of Wy | |||
| Micronation | |||
|
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| Motto: Ex Municipalis Vincit Anthem: "Wy is an Answer" by Doc Neeson and Prince Paul |
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| Status | Current | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area claimed | 700 square metres (7,500 sq ft) (approx.) | ||
| Membership | < 50 | ||
| Date of foundation | 13 November 2004 | ||
| Leadership | Prince Paul Ashton Delprat
(born 1942) |
||
| Language | English | ||
| Purported currency | Wybloon | ||
| Capital | Wy | ||
| Demonym | Wyze | ||
| Time zone | UTC+10:00 | ||
The Principality of Wy is an Australian micronation based in the Sydney suburb of Mosman. Established in 2004[1] in response to a lengthy dispute with the local council, 'Prince Paul' Delprat also describes it as 'the Artists' Principality',[2] and the website includes selected artworks by artists connected with the principality and commentary supporting aspects of the visual arts from fine art to manga.
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In 1993 the Delprat family applied to build a driveway over their frontage, an unbuilt road near Wyargine Reserve. Eleven years later the situation had not been resolved,[3] and a ceremony was held at Mosman Town Hall on 13 November 2004, during which the secession from Mosman council was announced. Dressed in full regalia, on behalf of the principality, the prince of Wy presented the declaration of independence,[4][5] titled the Decree of Secession, to the Mayor of Mosman.[6]
Since its formation the principality has been covered by international and local news outlets, including Sky News,[7] The Daily Telegraph UK,[8] The Sydney Morning Herald,[9] The Daily Telegraph (Australia),[10] The National (Abu Dhabi)[11] and the Kuwait Times.[12]
Due to the media interest, in 2010 Prince Paul was invited by Dr. Judy Lattas,[13] of the Sociology Department of Macquarie University, to address and give a paper at a seminar[14] held on Dangar Island as part of a study on micronations. The paper[15] presented by the principality outlined the perceived value of micronations and thanked the wider Australian community for being tolerant of such independent perspectives. In May 2011, the local studies department of Mosman council released an interview with Prince Paul as part of the ‘Mosman Faces’ project.[16][17]
The principality is located in the municipality of Mosman, New South Wales, and has claimed approximately 700 square metres (7,500 sq ft) as its territory. An embassy for the principality is located in the suburb of Georges Heights, New South Wales. Exports include paintings, etchings and sculptures by the residents[18] and produce. The date of secession, 13 November 2004, was declared 'Wy Day.'[19]
The principality is an active patron of art and sponsors an art prize.[20] Representatives from the principality have also been invited to open exhibitions[21][22][23] and give talks[24] in the local community and throughout the state. Art reviews and articles have appeared in art society newsletters[25] and are published on the Principality of Wy website in support of local and renowned artists.[26] Private exhibitions are held within the principality by invitation and public exhibitions are open at the embassy in Georges Heights, featuring works by new and emerging artists.
A minor character in the anime and manga series Hetalia: Axis Powers was named after the Principality of Wy.[27] Depicted as a young girl and usually drawn with a large paintbrush and palette, her personality traits and interests incorporate the artistic philosophy of the Principality.
Singer Doc Neeson has written original compositions about the principality.[28]
On Monday, 21 February 2011, a U.S. federal trademark registration was filed for PRINCIPALITY OF WY. [29] On 1 September 2010 a similar trademark registration[30] was filed in Australia by Prince Paul (or Paul Delprat) from his address of 22B Burran Avenue, Mosman and accepted on 6 January 2011.