A spectacular new Wet Season exhibition by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro is set to light up the Darwin CBD and bring thousands of extra visitors during the traditionally quieter tourist period.
Funded through the Territory Labor Governments $103 million Turbocharging Tourism stimulus package, the exhibition is part of a strategic investment into festivals and events, recognising their ability to support liveability, tourism and local jobs.
The NT Government has allocated $3.5 million over two financial years FY18-19 and FY19-20.
An immersive light exhibition, Bruce Munro: Tropical Light will run from October 2019 to April 2020.
Well known for his work Field of Light at Uluru, this unique Darwin exhibition will be the largest Australian exhibition undertaken by Mr Munro, featuring eight immersive large-scale light installations through the CBD and Waterfront.
The display will represent a collection of new and existing work that reflects Mr Munro's experiences in Australia and the NT, including Darwins natural beauty, unique wildlife, welcoming locals and glorious sunsets.
It will include two new and unique NT-specific installations, both reflecting history and place with visual and auditory experiences.
This six month exhibition is part the Territory Labor Governments strategy to create and deliver events that can disperse and extend visitation in the Northern Territory.
Mr Munro has exhibited his work across Europe, UK, United States of America and South Korea, generating strong visitation.
Since April 2016, 'Field of Light' at Yulara has attracted over 250,000 people, with Jetstar attributing a 15 per cent increase in demand for flights to the exhibition, boosting total capacity out of Melbourne and Sydney to 50,000 seats.
Local artists and art enthusiasts will have opportunities to be involved in the project, with a community engagement program to be released in the coming months.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Culture, Lauren Moss
The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in the arts and tourism industry because creating jobs for Territorians is our number one priority.
With Darwin as the host for the largest exhibition Mr Munro has undertaken in Australia, I am incredibly excited to see new experiences and opportunities come to life for Darwin locals, and expect this to become a catalyst for travellers who wish to explore and see Darwin during the Top Ends traditional off-peak tourist season.
As stated by Mr Bruce Munro
To be invited to create an exhibition is always a privilege.
Every city has its own unique fingerprint and Darwin is no exception to the rule.
It is a very relaxed, cultural and culinary melting pot located at the top end of Australia between a vast tropical forest and an aquamarine coastline. Darwin is a veritable jewel that shines bright after each tropical downpourits a place of adventure and inspiration.
