Tasmanian festivals win awards
In a nod to Tasmania’s cultural pull, two Hobart festivals, Mofo and its winter sister Dark Mofo, were joint winners of the Group Award at the 2015 Sidney Myer Performing Arts Awards. They receive $45,000 each.
Mofo, held January 13 to 18 with a mix of free and ticketed events, drew a total audience of 40,000 to a creative bill that included The Flaming Lips (pictured), DJ Krush and Kate Tempest. Of the 14,000 ticket sales, almost 40% were from outside Tasmania.
Mofo’s move this year from the Hobart waterfront after seven years to the Mona site in Berriedale, was deemed a success by curator Brian Ritchie of the Violent Femmes. He wants to hold it there again in 2017. However, it can’t be a permanent move as the Mona site is planning to have a hotel built there.
Dark Mofo, held in June, will remain at the waterfront at least for another five years, confirmed Creative Director Leigh Carmichael. Last year it drew a total of 76,000, which Carmichael attributes to the nighttime waterfront appeal. Its three-year $1 million a year funding arrangement with the State Government is expected to be extended, with details expected in the next few weeks.
Other recipients of the Sidney Myer Performing Arts Award, now in its 32nd year and held at the Sydney Opera House, were Helpmanns-winning actress Ursula Yovich (the $60,000 Individual Winner award) and Melbourne based producer and Theatre Works CEO Daniel Clarke the $25,000 Facilitator’s Prize.