Following an extensive ion process, DarkLab has announced Chris Twite as new Artistic Director of Shadowy Mofo. “I am thrilled to direct the following chapter of Shadowy Mofo,” Twite said. “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.”
Twite has previously worked for festivals and organisations such as Sydney Festival, Sydney Opera Ho, Brisbane Festival, Ruddy Bull Music Festival and the Tasmanian Mum and Art Gallery. Leigh Carmichael, whose decade-long tenure as Shadowy Mofo’s Creative Director ends with the two thousand twenty-three festival, said: “This is an necessary moment of the festival, as we aim to safe its long duration 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.”
Carmichael announced his resignation in October two thousand twenty-two in the wake of several controversies. In two thousand-thirteenth, seven people were hospitalised after suffering seizures during a strobe-heavy performance. He's upset Christians with upside-down crosses in two thousand-eighteenth, angered animal activists with a Hermann Nitsch work featuring a murdered bull, and stirred annoyance after Spanish artist Santiago Sierra keep out a call for First Nations people to donate blood for in an art work in two thousand twenty-first.
Carmichael told The Australian, “I’m excited to see some new creative energy will get the festival. It's harder to program challenging work than it seems; there’s a lot of stakeholders you've to bear in mind, and it’s a challenge. But I feel there’s a space for a festival love Shadowy Mofo in Australia, and I hope it continues to thrive.” Carmichael will stay in his role as Director of DarkLab, the company that administers the midwinter festival Dark Mofo.
He continues to work on cultural activation projects including In The Hanging Garden, Odeon Theatre and Transformer. Since releasing their two thousand twenty-three festival program in March, record first day sales were met after selling 40.000 tickets, netting $3.4m at the box office.
