Dark Mofo last year …
Dark Mofo Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said;
“It is with some regret that today we are announcing that Dark Mofo is withdrawing from its expansion into Launceston.
“While we have received great support and encouragement from the people of Northern Tasmania, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, the State Government, the Launceston City Council, and local businesses, we have been unable to develop a sustainable business model at this time.
“It is our strong belief that the event would not be able to deliver the economic and social outcomes that an investment of public money of this size should expect, and it is highly unlikely the event would survive past the inaugural year. Given the resources required to make the event happen, we believe proceeding at this point would be an irresponsible use of public funds.
“While we are optimistic about the opportunity, our expansion was conditional on two things; firstly, that we could secure enough financial support, and secondly that it would have no detrimental impact on the Hobart event.
“While we do believe that a major cultural event in Launceston throughout winter to complement the AFL games is extremely important, in order for this strategy to work, it would need to be underpinned by a major three-month winter exhibition in order to stretch the drawing power of the investment beyond a three-day core period. The absence of this essential element has been a major contributing factor for our decision to withdraw.
“We sincerely thank all of the people and organisations involved for their support of this project, and we will continue to push forward and look for ways for the North and South to collaborate and capitalise on the current success of cultural tourism in the State.
“We hope to continue to work with the State Government, Launceston City Council, QVMAG, Tourism Northern Tasmania, local business, key stakeholders, and community to expand on the Dark Mofo concept with the hope of delivering a major northern Tasmanian event in the future.”
Dark Mofo 2014 takes place June 12-22 in and around Hobart. The lineup will be announced on April 11. www.darkmofo.net.au
Rebecca Fitzgibbon Events Media Manager Museum of Old and New Art
