Darwin light exhibition expected to draw 50,000 to Top End

THE Territory Government will spend $3.5 million on a six month “immersive large scale light installation” for Darwin

Field of Light at Uluru in 2016 by Bruce Munro. Picture: Mark Pickthall

THE Territory Government will spend $3.5 million on a six month “immersive large scale light installation” for Darwin.

British artist Bruce Munro, who is responsible for the successful Field of Light installation at Uluru will lead the project.

He was reluctant to give away much about the installation but said it would use eight different locations across Darwin.

One location he was willing to reveal was the Town Hall Ruins, which will host a piece called “Green Flash”, which Mr Munro said was inspired by the setting sun.

The eight Darwin installations will collectively be called “Tropical Light” and will run from October to April 2020.

It’s the first time Mr Munro has used an entire city as a canvas for an installation and will be his biggest yet after Field of Light

Tourism Minister Lauren Moss said the installation would be “transformational” for Darwin and better link the CBD and Waterfront precinct.

She said she hoped the project would draw tourists to the Top End during the quieter months.

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The Government estimates Tropical Light will bring more than 50,000 visitors to Darwin for a return of $67 million to the economy.

“We need to redefine the wet season,” Ms Moss said.

“It’s a really spectacular time of year … it's a time of colour when everything comes to life.” She pre-empted criticism from the Territory arts community about such a large amount of money going to an international artist, saying local artists would have opportunities to be involved.

“We can’t underestimate the importance of having a world renowned artist … to create the backbone of this exhibition,” she said.