Plans for DarkLab Transformer artwork ditched amid rising costs

The Transformer art project was proposed as a way to attract tourists to the Huon Valley region in the wake of bushfires in 2019. But DarkLab, which runs the Dark Mofo festival, says escalating costs have made the project untenable. What's next? DarkLab says it is working with the federal government to acquit a grant for the project. The group behind Tasmania's Dark Mofo festival has scrapped plans to develop a "destination public artwork" in the state's south-east due to escalating costs. The plan was to build a pavilion with a reflective interior in the Ida Bay State Reserve. DarkLab said the design would have created "a kaleidoscope that interacts with the landscape over the changing seasons". The Huon Valley Council approved the development application in 2023. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service gave it final approval the following year. At the time, the development was expected to cost about $9.7 million, excluding artist and management expenses. But in a statement released on Friday, DarkLab said increased costs, particularly in relation to "visitor service structures", had made the project untenable. "It is with a heavy heart that we make this announcement today," DarkLab chief executive and creative director Leigh Carmichael said. "We have given the project every opportunity to succeed, but after seven years' work, we have made the decision not to proceed. "We would like to thank the far south community for their support, and we are disappointed that we have been unable to finish what we began. "It's difficult to walk away from the unrealised potential." Carmichael thanked all those involved in the project to date. "Unfortunately, the environmental and economic landscape is very different from when we were first asked to look at this project back in 2019," he said. "The long approval process, COVID and rising construction costs have all worked against us this time." DarkLab is a subsidiary of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), which is owned by David Walsh. The Transformer project had received funding support from the federal and state governments. "While we still believe a catalyst project is urgently needed to spark further tourism visitation and investment in the Huon Valley, the timing for this project is no longer right," Carmichael said. "We will now focus on working with the Office for the Arts to acquit the federal government grant and ensure the funds are returned in full. "DarkLab, with David Walsh, will cover the costs incurred in attempting to realise the project." Carmichael said all activities on the project would be wound up by the end of this month.