The Rockliff Liberal Government is a strong supporter of major events and today welcomes the launch of the 2023 Ten Days on the Island festival program, set to take place across Tasmania in March.
With our support, through Arts Tasmania, Ten Days on the Island has provided opportunities for local artists, arts workers and audiences through events that celebrate Tasmania’s unique identity, creativity and island culture.
Opening with an exciting schedule of events to coincide with International Women’s Day on 8 March, this year the festival’s focus includes themes of mythology, First Nations' storytelling, strong female voices, and activating Tasmania’s regions.
Minister for the Arts, Elise Archer said “I am very excited to see this festival bring our regional spaces to life, including the new Hive complex and planetarium in Ulverstone, the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery precinct in Launceston, the banks of the Mersey on the Devonport waterfront, and the Burnie Arts and Function Centre, ahead of a major precinct redevelopment.”
“The Hedberg is the perfect location for today’s launch in Hobart as this spectacular building will be transformed into the Ten Days' festival hub, when it opens in March.
"Ten Days holds a very special place in the hearts of Tasmanians as a celebration of our storytelling, of our creativity, of our land and our waterways, and of what it means to be Tasmanian. It's a celebration of how we see ourselves, what we value and cherish, how we engage with our diverse communities across our island, and how we relate to the rest of the world," added Minister Archer.
The 2023 program has a strong focus on new Tasmanian work, but also features projects from further afield, including Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, a giant floating octopus from Māori mythology, that will take over Kangaroo Bay on Hobart’s Eastern Shore for the duration of the festival.
“This festival features some of Tasmania’s most cherished and innovative local arts organisations, including Terrapin Puppet Theatre, Archipelago Productions, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Van Diemen's Band, Performing Lines Tasmania, Second Echo Ensemble and Slipstream Circus as well as strong partnerships with the Theatre Royal, the University of Tasmania, and the many local government organisations. I also look forward to welcoming artists from overseas, including New Zealand, and across Australia as part of the festival activities,” said Minister Archer.
“Importantly, this is an opportunity to celebrate the strong and longstanding partnership between our Government and Ten Days on the Island, as we look toward another four-years of the festival, following our recent, renewed commitment,” added Minister Archer.
Minister Archer paid tribute to the work of outgoing Artistic Director Dr Lindy Hume AM, as she delivers her final program since commencing in the role in 2018.
“Over three festivals, Lindy has been instrumental in championing new works, supporting local artists to innovate and take risks, and in celebrating regional Tasmanian communities and Tasmanian women," said Minister Archer.
“I want to personally thank Lindy for her commitment, drive, passion and unwavering faith in the critical role that arts and culture play in shaping our State. We share the same vision and hope for our island home."
Ten Days on the Island takes place from 8 March until 19 March 2023, at locations across the State including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Ulverstone and Longford. To view the full festival program and to purchase tickets, visit: www.tendays.org.au