Tasmania's major arts festival Dark Mofo has been cancelled for 2024 amid rising costs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Festival organisers saying they hope the "period of renewal" will set it up for a "full return" in 2025.
"Since Dark Mofo's inception back in 2013, the festival has felt the weight of shifting conditions and the burden of escalating costs," festival organisers said in a statement.
Tasmanian festival on pause for 2024
"While 2023 left an indelible mark, it also exacted its toll, prompting the decision to pause, reflect and plan out a more sustainable future."
In place of the festival, the winter feast and nude solstice swim rituals will remain, with dates set to be announced.
The festival's artistic director Chris Twite said the decision had been made in consultation with the state government.
"Dark Mofo has always been dedicated to enriching and transforming lives through ambitious art and ideas," Twite said.
"We want to make sure that we have a festival that continues to deliver incredible art and artists, that continues to expand its artistic boundaries and remains a beacon of creativity, innovation and cultural significance."
More than 400,000 people flocked to Dark Mofo this year. More than 100,000 tickets were sold, with almost 65 per cent of buyers from interstate.
Festival loss will be a blow to local economy
Dark Mofo contributes approximately $20 million to the local visitor economy annually.
The Tasmanian government has invested more than $15 million into the delivery of the festival since its inception, recognising its importance not only to Tasmania's cultural life and economy.
"Dark Mofo has become one of our most important and iconic events on the calendar, attracting people here from across the country across the quieter winter months," Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said in June.
There is a substantial 31 percent increase in searches for travel to Tasmania during the month of April when the festival takes place, according to Audience360.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The festival was launched by Australian art collector and professional gambler David Walsh and has become known for it's international music acts, art installations, and controversial exhibitions.
Popular New Years Eve event Falls Festival also announced they would not go ahead this year after several challenging years for Australian music festivals.
