A major art installation developed by MONA’s DarkLab as part of Project X will transform Tasmania’s far south and help rejuvenate the state’s tourism industry.
TRANSFORMER, designed by internationally recognised Los Angeles-based artist and filmmaker Doug Aitken, is a pavilion created with an entirely mirrored surface on the inside, reflecting and interacting with the landscape.
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Morrison Government had provided $1.5 million under the Arts and Cultural Development Program for Project X.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting regional communities, which is why we are supporting the Huon Valley following the devastating January 2019 bushfires,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Dark Lab’s Project X delivers a program of artworks, events and activations to encourage visitors to the Huon Valley.”
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonno Duniam said TRANSFORMER would put Tasmania’s far south on the map.
“TRANSFORMER will be an immersive art installation like no other. The unique project will not only entice visitors to the far south, it will encourage them to stay overnight,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.
“Tasmania’s natural beauty is world renowned, and this unique project will highlight this in the South and enhance the region, revitalising tourism and supporting the local economy.
“The 2019 bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic have taken a toll on the region’s tourism industry, and that’s why TRANSFORMER is an important project for getting the resilient industry back on its feet.”
Tasmanian Premier and Minister for Tourism Peter Gutwein said the project would support jobs and the local economy in our recovery from COVID-19.
“Tasmania is well known for delivering high-quality experiences that showcase our stunning natural areas, and experiences like this will help attract tourists both locally and once our borders reopen and help our tourism industry recover,” Premier Gutwein said.
“Importantly, it will give Tasmanians greater incentive to holiday at home and see what our state has to offer, supporting jobs, local businesses and the economy in our regional areas.”
Tasmanian Minister for Environment and Parks Roger Jaensch said TRANSFORMER would shine a spotlight on the state’s unparalleled natural beauty.
“Tasmania’s natural environment is extraordinary and world-class, and this will add to our suite of high-quality experiences into the future,” Minister Jaensch said.
The Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments invested $2 million to Project X to encourage visitation to the Huon Valley region after the devastating 2019 bushfires.