Extended funding for Dark Mofo, Bassinthegrass

Both Hobart’s winter solstice Dark Mofo and Darwin’s all-ages Bassinthegrass have secured extended funding for their 2016 events.

Dark Mofo in fact got funding from two sources. The Tasmanian Government, which has supported it annually, has confirmed $2.1 million.

Creative Director Leigh Carmichael said: “While the current agreement is for one year, we are working very closely with the State Government, Events Tasmania and Tourism Tasmania on a longer term vision for the festival.” Premier Will Hodgman has already indicated the Government wants to ensure the festival’s long stay.

The City of Hobart extended its financial support for a further three years. There’s $300,000 for this year, while the deal expands to $150,000 in cash and $50,000 worth of in-kind support each for 2017 and 2018. The Council will also give this winter’s Festival of Voices $60,000 in financial support.

Dark Mofo also revealed it will run from June 10-21 this year. It will take place in spaces across the city’s waterfront from Salamanca Place to the industrial art Dark Park at Macquarie Point. The City of Hobart Dark Mofo Winter Feast is at Princes Wharf 1 from June 15-19. Those entering the Nude Solstice Swim in the Derwent bare all to the rising sun after the longest night, on Tuesday June 21 at 7.42am. The full program is unveiled in April.

Last year it drew 270,000 over 10 nights, including music ranging from electronica and drone to orchestral-art pop, as well as a large-scale public artworks, a film program, exhibitions and installations.

Bassinthegrass announced that People’s Choice Credit Union, which has been one of its major sponsors for over ten years, has come in for a further three years.

People’s Choice CEO Steve Laidlaw said, “We’re proud to see People’s Choice Bassinthegrass grow into such a highly-anticipated nationally acclaimed festival each year and we commend the Northern Territory Government for its continued investment into this fantastic event.”

This is in addition to the $460,000 a year put in by the Northern Territory Government since it set up the festival 14 years ago. It allows the event to draw major acts with local acts, and draws 12,000 music fans. “It is a part of the great Territory lifestyle,” Chief Minister Adam Giles said.

This year the festival has dropped ticket prices and includes free bus travel and water vouchers.

The 2016 instalment is on May 21 at Darwin Amphitheatre with Angus & Julia Stone, Boy & Bear, Hermitude, RÜFÜS, SAFIA, Bliss N Eso, Tkay Maidza, Drapht and Violent Soho. Local acts will be announced in April.