Relief as major winter festival Dark Mofo plans for its future

With its five-year funding agreement up for renewal, Dark Mofo is considering its future, as the winter festival’s creative director reveals whether the event will continue. TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS >>

THERE is no suggestion that this will be the last Dark Mofo.

DarkLab’s Leigh Carmichael spoke exclusively with the Mercury to say that while there will be a review of all aspects of the event – it certainly wouldn’t be the last one.

Comments made by Mr Carmichael earlier this week saying “perhaps the event has run its course” fuelled speculation about the iconic festival’s future.

“Our five-year funding agreement with Events Tasmania is up for renewal,” Mr Carmichael confirmed.

“In light of ongoing uncertainty and the difficulty imposed through Covid restrictions, international border closures and artist boycotts, we feel now is the time to consider how we move forward.”

((black:rainbow)). Picture: Dark Mofo/Jesse Hunniford

He said it was part of his normal process to review all aspects of the event, including its format and financial model.

“We’ll do this with our key partner, the state government, who have been steadfast in their support,” he said.

“It’s clear to us that this festival is important to Hobart and the community and we have every intention of continuing with winter solstice celebrations.”

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael says the event will definitely continue despite the difficulties of the past couple of years. Picture: Zak Simmonds

At the main hub of the festival, patrons enjoying the atmosphere were relieved the event would continue.

Sue Morgan said Dark Mofo brought Hobart to life.

“The atmosphere is wonderful and in the middle of winter it brings people out of their houses. I would have been sad to see it discontinue,” she said.

Libby Scrimshaw from Adelaide said it was what Tasmania was known for.

“I think it’s a really good event, it obviously attracts a heap of people from all over and I think, knowing that it’s a big event, it would be a shame to lose it,” Ms Scrimshaw said.

Double Eclipse, Julie Rrap, Dark Downtown. Picture: Dark Mofo/Remi Chauvin

Kareena Hilet said it was a tourism drawcard, but she wasn’t impressed with the line to get into the Winter Feast.

“It would have been better if you could pre-purchase,” she said.

Mr Carmichael said that this year’s event was special.

“After last year’s cancellation, and with the current state of the world, we are just grateful to be able to hold an event at all,” he said.

“So for now, our focus is firmly on enjoying the final nights of this event, and making the most of the long nights.”

Abby Cameron, 10, with this year’s Ogoh-Ogoh, a Mt Mangana stag beetle. Picture: Chris Kidd

Ogoh-Ogoh leads to beetle-mania

ONE of Dark Mofo’s key attractions has already proven popular with thousands heading to Dark Downtown to take part in The Purging.

The Purging involves members of the public writing down their fears and adding them to a large sculpture called the Ogoh-Ogoh. The piece precedes The Burning, where the sculpture is set alight in a spectacular pyrotechnic display.

Creative producer Cas Charles said the purging and the burning have become Dark Mofo traditions.

“Even last night’s in the rain, we’ve had a lot of people in The Purging, it’s a popular thing,” Ms Charles said.

Every year, the sculpture resembles a threatened endangered species to highlight environmental problems.

“This year it’s the Mt Mangana stag beetle, a threatened species and it’s only found on Bruny Island,” Ms Charles said.

“We always add a certain attitude to the beast we burn.”

The ritual is based on a Balinese Hindu rite.

Come Sunday, at 5pm, the burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh will forgo some of the usual pomp and ceremony, with no street procession this year.

The producer also warns hopeful spectators of The Burning should arrive early, with the event capped at 5000 at Hobart’s Cenotaph.