Mildura seeks support to deliver large-scale immersive light installations

Input is being sought for two large-scale immersive light installations, Light/State, from famed global artist Bruce Munro, that will light up the Murray River border community of the Mildura-Wentworth region from 2023.

Light/State comprises two site-specific installations - one in Mildura, Victoria and one in Wentworth, NSW - reflecting the region’s unique landscape, culture and stories.

With Light/State predicted to draw visitors from across Australia and generate significant economic returns, Mildura Regional Development, in partnership with leading experience and attractions consultancy Pico Play, invite Expressions of Interest (EOI) across three key areas - investors, operators and stakeholders - to help deliver this illuminating experience.

Opening in the second half of 2023 and expected to operate for at least two years, Light/State has the potential to increase new overnight visitation to the region by more than 20% and grow its visitor economy by up to $130 million annually.

Advising that a once-in-a-generation opportunity exists for investors, operators and stakeholders to partner on this exciting project, Mildura Regional Development Chief Executive, Brett Millington stated “this is a visionary project and we are seeking partners of scale who can help us deliver this incredible attraction and bring more visitors to the Mildura-Wentworth region.

“Light/State is born from the spirit of co-operation; we have two great states working together to create this wonderful experience for people to visit and enjoy.

“Mildura, Wentworth and the surrounding region has always been a popular tourist destination - its expansive agricultural industry is known as Australia’s food bowl, it has a unique arts scene, is located on the mighty Murray River system and has a cosmopolitan city lifestyle - so Light/State would be the jewel in the crown of this beautiful region.”

Pico Play, a global expert in delivering outstanding guest experiences across attractions and activations, has engaged to conduct business feasibility on the Light/State project.

Noel Dempsey, Pico Play Director of Business Delivery, sees Mildura was a magical destination in its own right, a place where the iconic Murray River meets Australia’s Red Centre, where thousands of years of history meet contemporary urban culture.

Dempsey said Munro’s two installations encapsulated the region’s distinction and offered visitors a unique point of difference that complemented its stunning natural assets, commenting “Mildura is a thriving town that sits at the intersection of three states and is easily accessible from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

“There is a groundswell of support among the border community for this world-class attraction by an internationally renowned artist.

“Light/State is accessible, appeals to every demographic, will draw visitors from across Australia and the world and offers yet another invitation for people to stay, play and explore this vibrant region.”

Light/State comprises two contrasting installations to be experienced over two separate evenings.

One is a fusion of new technology, light and sound that emulates a desert symphony, set among a natural amphitheatre. Visitors view the scale and grandeur of the work from an elevated escarpment before descending and walking through the installation to become part of the experience.

The second provides an opportunity for quiet contemplation, a gentle massed light installation that amplifies the natural beauty of the region’s waterways and encourages meditation and reflection.

Munro, who also created Uluru’s highly successful and globally acclaimed Field of Light installation, was inspired by Mildura’s distinctive natural environment, notes “I like to explore how everything is linked and how it interacts with everyone. How people feel when they see my work is very important to me.

“I really want people to leave with a lighter heart and sense of positivity. We need good experiences, ones that make us realise we are not the most important thing in the world but part of the world.”

Millington said momentum was building and partners were needed to capitalise on this emerging opportunity to establish, deliver and operate a world-class attraction.

Click here for more information on the Australasian Leisure Management Tenders and Opportunities page.

Images: Lights above central Mildura (top, credit: Hawkeye Photography) and Bruce Munro's Uluru light installation © 2016 Bruce Munro (below, photography by Mark Pickthall).