Dark Mofo 2020 cancelled to ensure festival’s ‘long term survival’

One of Tasmania’s biggest tourism drawcards has been cancelled amid coronavirus fears.

ONE of Tasmania’s biggest tourism drawcards has been cancelled amid coronavirus fears.

MONA’S controversial winter solstice festival Dark Mofo has been cancelled in an move to ensure the festival’s survival.

DARK MOFO CANCELLATION DEEMED SAD BUT NECESSARY

Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael said it was with deep regret and sadness the decision was made, however the financial exposure faced by Mona owner David Walsh of a last minute cancellation would run into the millions, and likely would have ended the festival permanently.

WHAT COULD STOP THE GROWTH OF DARK MOFO

“We've had to act decisively to ensure Dark Mofo’s long term survival,” he said.

Carmichael said the decision was made following a thorough risk assessment on the potential impact and disruption the coronavirus crisis could have on the festival.

Dark Mofo is straight up the highlight of my year. The Tassie winter will be grim without it.

— niall harden (@furiousniall) March 10, 2020

Dark Mofo 2020 has been cancelled and I am in shock. https://t.co/mZWDUFMohS

— Mike Pony (@MikePonyCurator) March 10, 2020

Bought two plane tickets to Dark Mofo on Monday... https://t.co/xaG7aSGZzv

— Spencer Scott (@ImSpencer77) March 10, 2020

“The implications of COVID-19 and subsequent travel, financial and logistical issues, are beyond our control.”

GALLERY: BEST PHOTOS OF DARK MOFO 2019

“Our current priority is to minimise the implications and cost on our audience, artists, suppliers, sponsors and key stakeholders, and support our staff through a challenging period.”

The festival is world renowned for its many musical acts, large-scale light installations, and a winter feast.

ESCAPE: Dark Mofo: Winter Feast. Picture: Adam Gibson

In previous years, the music line-up has featured international acts such as St Vincent and Sharon van Etten, and Australian legends such as You Am I, The Presets, Paul Kelly, and Tim Minchin.

Guitar ace Sharon Van Etten in action. Picture: Kay Cann

Other drawcards over the years have included the extremely controversial 150. Action by Austrian artist Hermann Nitsch, Australian artist Mike Parr being buried alive under Macquarie Street, and a series of discussions centring around topics like fear, religion, sex, and death titled Dark and Dangerous Thoughts.

This year’s full festival program was set to be announced in April, with just one act announced early.

Carmichael said Bon Iver’s two sold out shows on June 12 and 13 would still go ahead at this stage.