Hobart's annual Dark Mofo festival has been cancelled amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The news was announced via a statement on social media from Mona founder David Walsh this morning.
"We’re killing Dark Mofo for the year. I know that will murder an already massacred tourism environment, but I feel like I have no choice (hint: that means I have a choice)," read the statement.
"Rational consequences of risk are defensive planning (toilet rolls), and late decision-making. Kirsha, my wife, was planning a fundraiser for her garden project, in April. She sold just two tickets (thanks, and sorry, Tim and Irene). Her events are very popular, so what happened?
"Fear is what happened. That fear is compelled by uncertainty. Fear is the right response. And that right response means we would have trouble selling tickets to Dark Mofo events, also."
See the statement below.
“It is with deep regret and sadness that we have made the decision to cancel Dark Mofo scheduled for June this year," added Dark Mofo creative director Leigh Carmichael.
“After a thorough risk assessment on the potential impact and disruption of coronavirus, we have been left with no option other than to move the current program to 2021.
“The implications of COVID-19, and subsequent travel, financial and logistical issues, are beyond our control.
“The financial exposure faced by David Walsh of a festival-wide last minute cancellation would run into the millions, and likely end the event permanently. We've had to act decisively to ensure Dark Mofo’s long term survival.
“Our current priority is to minimise the implications and cost on our audience, artists, suppliers, sponsors and key stakeholders, and support our staff through a challenging period.
“At this stage, subject to further Government advice, Bon Iver’s sold out performances will still go ahead as planned on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June, as part of their national tour.”
The news comes less than a day after US pop artist Miley Cyrus cancelled her one-off Australian show scheduled for this Friday, while Coachella is also reportedly planning to postpone its 2020 event.
For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.
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