Dark Fringe main events axed as organiser blames lack of financial support from government

Key attractions at the Dark Fringe Festival, which promised to fill the void left by a pared back Dark Mofo, have been cancelled at the 11th hour. Producer David Male explains why.

Rattle Ground creator Sabio was due to perform at the now cancelled event in St. David's Park during Dark Fringe 2024. Picture: Chris Kidd

Hobart’s Dark Fringe cancelled this year’s “major projects” on Tuesday, just two days out from its opening night.

Festival producer David Male said insufficient government financial support for overheads including security costs, meant key events like Rattle Ground, a digital and performative story space at St David’s Park, could not go ahead.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly,” he said.

“One goal of Dark Fringe is to foster and support local talent, technicians, performers and creators.

“It also encourages thinking and innovation outside the box. The state government doesn’t seem to share the same goals.”

Hallucination and the Crystal Ball artists Bec Collins and Sophie Keegan on the Hobart waterfront – one of the acts cancelled at Dark Fringe Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Mr Male says he has tried since October last year to engage with the government after last year’s successful Fringe.

“As the recent Australian Senate report on festivals indicated, it’s extremely difficult for Australian cultural festivals to survive in the current climate without government support.

“Dark Fringe required $264,000 to deliver a minimum viable standard for its major projects.

“We believe in new and brave creative work as much as the new and unproven Tas AFL team.”

A state government spokeswoman rejected Mr Male’s claims and said organisers did not submit an application for events funding until a month ago.

“Since first approaching the government, event organisers have been encouraged to work with Events Tasmania and submit an application, like all events must do.

“This included advice from Events Tasmania on the criteria that would need to be assessed.

“Due to the late application, Events Tasmania conducted an expedited, yet robust, assessment process resulting in an offer of $200,000 being made for the 2024 event.”

White Out On The Streets exhibition was to be part of the 2024 Dark Fringe festival. Picture: David Male.

The spokeswoman said the offer was not accepted, but that government organisation Events Tasmania would continue to work with Dark Fringe organisers.

“The government has ensured additional support is available to the events sector this winter and has worked with various existing and new event organisers on ways to increase visitation during the cooler months,” the spokeswoman said.

Smaller Dark Fringe events at the Grand Poobah, the Town Hall Underground, The Waiting Room exhibition on Argyle St and a cocktail pop-up will go ahead.

Tickets for the Rattle Ground and the Crystal Ball will be refunded over the next two weeks.

Mr Male also thanked all of the suppliers, local councils and organisations involved with the development of this year’s Dark Fringe for “supporting its vision”.