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General

Light/State is a brand new attraction planned for the Mildura-Wentworth region, featuring two large-scale immersive light installations from famed global artist Bruce Munro. Opening in the Spring of 2023, Light/State comprises two site-specific installations – one in Mildura, Victoria and one in Wentworth, New South Wales – reflecting the region’s unique landscape, culture and stories. Light/State has the potential to increase new overnight visitation to the region by more than 20 per cent and grow its visitor economy by up to $130M annually.

EOI applications are invited across three key areas: Operators, Investors and Stakeholders. The indicative timelines for the EOI and project delivery phases are:

EOI Invitation Open 26 October 2021
Market Briefing Webinar 9 November 2021
Detailed Proposals Evaluation Complete
and Preferred Proponent Announced Q2 2022
Target Project Opening Q4 2023
Spring 2023
The light installations initially intend to remain open to visitors for two years. There is potential to extend the season for several more months or years based on the success of the operation.

Light/State comprises two contrasting installations designed 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 can 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 unhurried meditation and reflection. The installations are still in the design phase and final artwork and specifications are not yet available.
Bruce Munro is an English-Australian artist renowned for producing grand immersive site-specific light installations. His innovative and iconic light installations incorporate emotive themes matched with natural landscapes. Munro has produced more than 45 exhibitions globally, including in Australia, UK, the USA, Denmark, Mexico and South Korea. His Australian work includes Uluru’s Field of Light and Field of Light: Avenue of Honour in Albany WA.
The light installations will operate to a seasonal schedule to accommodate fluctuating demand and visitor periods throughout the year. During peak holiday seasons, the light installations have the potential to operate seven days a week.

Light/State is expected to open to the public in Spring 2023. While we are hopeful COVID-19-related lockdowns and shutdowns will no longer be a regular occurrence, we will continue to monitor the situation and meet ongoing regulations and guidelines.

The possibility of a prolonged shutdown will certainly factor into our business planning and insurance obligations and we are confident of implementing solutions for seamless operation.
If the schedule is impacted by COVID-19, Light/State’s season can be extended by months or years to continue to meet visitor demand.
Mildura Regional Development is still negotiating aspects of this project and it remains commercial-in-confidence. Applicants who submit an EOI and meet all eligibility requirements will receive access to the business plan and financial information in due course.

Operators

There is scope for an operator to maintain a presence at both proposed sites (NSW and VIC) for the duration of the light installations’ season.
We encourage applications from operators and investors who have the capability to take on the majority share or a significant scope of work.
Basic facilities and utilities exist at both sites. These will be addressed and modified over the coming 18 months as the project takes shape to meet specific requirements.
Project participation will incur a fee, separate to any direct investment. The schedule and format of fees are still under consideration. Operators who meet all eligibility requirements will receive access to the business plan and financial information in due course.
Yes. We welcome EOIs from operators across Australia.

Investors

We invite EOIs from all potential investors at this early stage. As the project progresses, we will evaluate the mix of investors, skills and capacities to determine the tranches of investment.
The corporate structure is yet to be finalised and will be dependent on the successful EOI applicants.
The logistics of ascertaining and distributing financial returns are still under negotiation and remain commercial-in-confidence. Applicants who submit an EOI and meet all eligibility requirements will receive access to the business plan and financial information in due course. The Mildura-Wentworth light installations are an exciting opportunity to deliver economic benefit to the region as well as strong returns to investors.

Key Stakeholders

At this time, we are calling for interested parties to invest and/or operate the light show installations. However, there will be future opportunities to sponsor the event so we invite you to register your details and interest and we will contact you at the appropriate time. Visit lightstate.com.au to learn more.
We invite your community to check our eligibility criteria and submit an EOI via lightstate.com.au.