Chris Twite to replace Leigh Carmichael as Dark Mofo creative director

A new creative director for Dark Mofo has been announced, as Leigh Carmichael prepares for his final festival. HIS REPLACEMENT >>

Chris Twite will replace Leigh Carmichael Dark Mofo Artistic Director. Picture: DarkLab Media.

Chris Twite will take the reins of Dark Mofo as creative director, replacing longstanding chief Leigh Carmichael, who has run the festival since it began in 2013.

Mr Twite has been involved in several big events, including Falls Festival Sydney Festival, Brisbane Festival and more recently, Hobart Current.

He’s signed on for a three-year contract in the new role and will begin in 2024.

Chris Twite will replace Leigh Carmichael Dark Mofo Artistic Director. Picture: DarkLab Media.

“I am thrilled to direct the next chapter of Dark Mofo,” Mr Twite said.

“After a decade at the forefront of culture in Australia, it remains a vital and exciting event that realises ambitious projects and raises the profiles of both international and local artists, while delivering a world-class cultural experience each winter.”

Mr Carmichael will continue on in his role as director of DarkLab, an off shoot of Mona which runs Dark Mofo.

He’ll focus on permanent projects, including In The Hanging Garden, Odeon Theatre, and Transformer.

“This is an important moment for the festival, as we aim to secure its long term viability with new ideas and energy,” Mr Carmichael said.

“We believe Chris’ deep experience within the Australian cultural scene will ensure the festival remains artistically vibrant, in an increasingly competitive landscape.”

Leigh Carmichael creative director of Dark Mofo is stepping down from his role after guiding the festival for many years. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In an interview with the Mercury in October last year, Mr Carmichael said it was the right time for renewal and it was important to hand over the reins to someone with younger energy to drive the festival forward.

He said he’d see current projects through and was committed for 5-10 years.

Originally published as Chris Twite to replace Leigh Carmichael as Dark Mofo creative director