EDITORIAL
Minister for Hospitality and Events Nic Street
Hobart is once again embracing the darkness, with Dark Mofo descending on the city and proving to be the perfect tonic to the winter blues. Dark Mofo has become the iconic event of the Tasmanian winter over the past decade, attracting people here from across the country across the traditionally quieter winter months. The Rockliff Liberal Government has supported the festival since its inception, with more than $15 million invested into the delivery of the festival, recognising its importance not only to our cultural life and identity, but also to our economy. It is fantastic to see the festival underway for another year, which will once again be a boon for local businesses who will benefit from the increase in visitation and trade. Not only do we see the winter feast return, but also Dark Park at Macquarie Point, ensuring families can experience the festival more easily. Congratulations also to Dark Mofo’s outgoing Creative Director, Leigh Carmichael, on his outstanding curatorial guidance throughout the past decade. Leigh has been instrumental in establishing Dark Mofo as Tasmania’s most recognised winter event, and to its ongoing success, and he has done another phenomenal job with the 2023 program.
involved with this year’s festival – I know it’s a massive team effort.
Events like this are huge drivers of visitation to our state, and work hand-in-hand with our tourism and hospitality sectors. Last year, more than 24,000 interstate and international visitors attended Dark Mofo, and we expect to welcome many more across the course of this year’s festival. We have committed to further supporting the festival through Events Tasmania up to the 2024 festival. I encourage everyone to soak up the festival atmosphere and explore the capital city as it turns red. And the jam-packed schedule of events only continues from here – with the Festival of Voices, Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival and the Beaker Street Festival still to come to entertain crowds yet again this year. The Government is looking to build further momentum from the great success of events such as these, with the Events Strategy 2023-2027 released earlier this month. Developed in consultation with the industry, the Strategy will focus on three key areas – visitor economy, social and brand.
A copy of the new Strategy is available at https://www.eventstasmania.com/events_strategy
I’d like to extend that congratulations to everyone
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