Lindsay Tuffin

RECENT news about the possibility of a major contemporary art development on Hobart’s waterfront was greeted with enthusiasm by the State Labor Govt. Yet eight years ago, that same government, then led by Jim Bacon, crushed moves for a similar development and attacked its leaders at a time when there was real possibility of a large financial underpinning for such a project from the Guggenheim Foundation. Why is it that both the Bacon and now Lennon governments attack those with visionary ideas only to finally recognise those ideas as the path to a better future? This story also shows that far from being the visionary and supporter of the arts that the Labor spin machine tried to claim, Bacon was often limited and narrow in his thinking and destructive in his responses.

From the Archive:

Sunday Tasmanian,
SUN 20 FEB 2000, Page 014
LETTERS

Guggenheim revisited

TWO years ago Out of the Dark was formed with the specific agenda of bringing a Guggenheim to Tasmania. It was always intended that an iconic building housing this international art collection would be the centrepiece to a cultural precinct for Sullivans Cove.

This vision included satellite museums in our surrounding heritage buildings that housed significant collections currently kept in storage by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Coupled with some urban rejuvenation we were certain that this precinct would bring international recognition.

One thing was always clear — Tasmania could not afford to fund this project. It was always intended that funding would be found from the huge body of philanthropic organisations that exist around the world, combined with state lotteries.

The Bilbao experience, which was new at that time, was quickly proving to be a financial success for this Spanish town in economic decline. The grand building cost $150 million and had paid itself off in seven months.

Out of the Dark received political support from all three parties, and the Mayor, however without resources and funding for feasibility studies progressing an idea of this scale becomes impossible.

Geelong’s recent bid for the Guggenheim confirmed to us that the idea was always a good one and still is. They have manoeuvred their heavyweights to do battle for this proposal and have set aside $1.5 million for a feasibility study.

It is disappointing that Tasmania has lost an opportunity to be a leader in a project of vision and innovation.

It is disappointing that Mr Bacon’s comments “it’s a pretty big ask” implies that he doesn’t think we could pull it off.

It is disappointing that Marti Zucco would call this idea ludicrous and pie in the sky. We don’t doubt that the same words were used by the masses in Sydney in reaction to the Sydney Opera House proposal.

We are puzzled by Mr Bacon’s suggestion of Burnie as a potential site for this proposal. We hope it is not political expediency.

We hope that in the future all Tasmanians begin to think about the option before us. Are we going to build on our strengths so that we can operate within an international framework or should we stay content with mediocre, safe projects that are always trying to catch up with the rest of the world?

It may not be too late to enter what has now become a race for the Guggenheim but the question Out of the Dark are asking is: What can Tasmania do that will set us out as leaders under watch from the world. There are many answers to pursue.

ANNA PAFITIS
Convener
Out of the Dark
Taroona