Following an extensive national recruitment process, DarkLab is pleased to announce Chris Twite has been appointed as Dark Mofo’s incoming Artistic Director, commencing in 2024, for a three-year term.
Twite has been the creative force behind some of Australia’s most significant festivals and cultural organisations, including Sydney Festival, Sydney Opera House, Brisbane Festival, Falls Festival, Red Bull Music Festival, and Hobart Current for the City of Hobart and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
He has dedicated over a decade to commissioning, curating, producing and promoting international and domestic contemporary music, visual arts, digital programming, talks, film, and outdoor events, helping to cultivate new art and ideas in cities around the country.
“We’re pleased to announce Chris Twite as incoming Artistic Director of Dark Mofo,” said Leigh Carmichael. “This is an important moment for the festival, as we aim to secure its long term viability with new ideas and energy.”
“We believe Chris’ deep experience within the Australian cultural scene will ensure the festival remains artistically vibrant, in an increasingly competitive landscape,” said Carmichael.
“I am thrilled to direct the next chapter of Dark Mofo,” said Chris Twite. “After a decade at the forefront of culture in Australia, it remains a vital and exciting event that realises ambitious projects and raises the profiles of both international and local artists, while delivering a world-class cultural experience each winter.”
Leigh Carmichael will remain in his role as Director of Hobart-based creative organisation DarkLab, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mona group. Mr Carmichael will focus on the overall leadership of DarkLab as it continues its work on large-scale, permanent cultural activation projects, including In The Hanging Garden, the Odeon Theatre and Transformer.
Dark Mofo was founded in 2013 as a festival for Tasmanians and visitors to celebrate the darkest nights of winter through large-scale public art, food, music, fire, light and noise.
DarkLab recently released the full 2023 festival program which resulted in record first day sales of over 40,000 tickets and $3.4M box office revenue.
Dark Mofo takes place 8 – 22 June 2023 in Hobart. For more information, visit: www.darkmofo.net.au for details.
Image: Chris Twite – photo by Amy Brown | Dark Mofo