Pico Play, a global leader in the planning, design, development and construction of world-class themed attractions and entertainment, and Mildura Regional Development are inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from investors, operators and stakeholders, in order to deliver two large-scale immersive light installations in the Mildura-Wentworth region of Australia.
Light/State is the creation of global artist Bruce Munro and will be coming to the area in 2023. It is made up of two site-specific installations, one in Mildura, Victoria and one in Wentworth, New South Wales, reflecting the region’s unique landscape, culture and stories. It will bring in visitors from across the country, delivering significant economic returns.
Light/State
Light/State will open in the second half of 2023 and operate for over two years. It is expected to increase overnight visitation to the area by over 20 percent, growing the region’s visitor economy by up to $130 million each year.
It is an exciting partnership opportunity for investors, operators and stakeholders, according to Mildura Regional Development CEO Brett Millington:
“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.”
Bringing visitors to the region
Pico Play will be conducting business feasibility on the project. Mildura is where the Murray River meets Australia’s Red Centre, a special destination in its own right, according to Noel Dempsey, Pico Play’s director of business delivery.
Dempsey says Munro’s installations sum up the region’s distinction, offering visitors a unique experience that complements its stunning natural assets:
“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.”
Technology, light and sound
Light/State is formed of two contrasting installations to be experienced over two separate evenings. The first fuses technology, light and sound for a desert symphony, set in a natural amphitheatre, where guests view it from a height before walking down to become part of the experience.
The second is a chance to engage in quiet contemplation, a gentle massed light installation that reflects the beauty of the region’s waterways and encourages meditation and reflection.
Munro is the creator of Uluru’s successful Field of Light installation. For this project, he took inspiration from the region’s unique natural setting:
“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,” he says. “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.”
EOIs are invited from private and public investors, operators in the events, tourism and attractions industry, and members of the tourism, government and attractions sectors. To register interest, visit the website here. All EOI documentation must be received by 19 November, and shortlisted parties will be notified in December 2021.
Earlier this year, Pico Play also announced that it is consulting on the creation of a new surf park on Australia’s Gold Coast, proposed as part of The Club at Parkwood Village.
Top image credit Hawkeye Photography
