Dark Mofo has no plans to relocate to the north.
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While Hobart’s Lord Mayor may want to move the winter festival to Launceston, Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael has ruled it out.
“A few years ago we looked at coming to Launceston but we couldn’t get the support from council,” he said.
“I feel it belongs in Hobart and it would be dangerous to over stretch.
“We now have Mona Foma in Launceston which is great.”
Lord Mayor Ron Christie has questioned the Hobart City Council’s future funding for the festival.
"I'm sure Mr Carmichael and (David) Walsh would welcome conversations with any city that has a cheque book, maybe they should talk to Launceston,” Alderman Christie said.
Mr Carmichael said he was surprised by the Lord Mayor’s comments.
He said the HCC provided about $150,000 cash and $50,000 in kind support for the winter feast.
“It is a $9 million festival and it is a good return on their money, I reckon they’re in front,” Mr Carmichael said.
“It is significant and we appreciate it. Dark Mofo is a Tasmanian festival.”
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten steered clear of the Dark Mofo controversy.
“I’m aware of some of the commentary around Dark Mofo, but the organisers have already indicated there's no chance of the festival moving north,” Alderman van Zetten said.
"I prefer to focus on what we do have, and what we have is fantastic — a commitment (today) from the State Government for a three-year funding deal for Mona Foma.
“That is going to be wonderful for Launceston and northern Tasmania, and will generate more buzz and activity around the city.
"Last year's Mini Mofo event was embraced wholeheartedly by northern Tasmanians in its inaugural Launceston venture and QVMAG was a fantastic venue.”
Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey agreed with Mr Carmichael that Dark Mofo was better suited to Hobart.
“As a native born in Launceston it would be phenomenal for Launceston but Hobart is the perfect loation,” Mr Bailey said.
“I was looking at the BBC’s website talking about Dark Mofo the other day and it has certainly changed the way we look at tourism in the darkest part of winter.
“It is designed to be quirky and challenging and the Lord Mayor is out of step with people’s views. His thinking is from the 1950s.”
Bass Labor MP Michelle O’Byrne took to Facebook to urge Dark Mofo to come to Launceston and asked if the Lord Mayor was really a northerner.
“People embraced Mona Foma and I think they would be well and truly ready to embrace and welcome Dark Mofo too,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“We could have the winter solstice nude swim in the gorge.”