Biennial festival leaps to odd year

THE West Coast’s award-winning contemporary arts festival has been postponed until 2021 due to coronavirus.

Queenstown’s The Unconformity had been due to take place this October, but will be put back 12 months.

Festival chair Rick Snell said the postponement was the culmination of a thorough process that had been worked through with the Tasmanian Government.

“We know the importance of this festival to the West Coast people and to our regional economy.

“However, from every viewpoint — including financial, the health and safety of our artists and staff, and importantly the health of our community — there was very high risk. The decision to postpone is unfortunate, but necessary,” Professor Snell said.

Instead of cancelling this year’s festival, the decision was made to reschedule it to 2021, and to assess the timing of the next biennial festival in the near future.

Professor Snell said key stakeholders had been notified, and he encouraged people who had previously booked accommodation to rebook for the new dates — and for others to book ahead.

“Having held five biennial festivals, we have significant support out there in the Tasmanian community. I’d like to encourage people to decide early to come to the next festival, and book their accommodation soon, to provide trade and certainty for local businesses in a time of hardship,” he said. The festival will be held from October 15-17.