Early finish for Tropical Light

Tropical Light was created to encourage more people to visit the Territory during the Tropical Summer. Since it opened on 1 November 2019, the exhibition has attracted more than 46,219 attendances and more than 5,600 people have downloaded the Tropical Light app.

The safety of event attendees, volunteers and staff is our priority. The decision to close early was made based in the interests of public safety and following the latest health advice, which encourages people to do their bit to slow the spread of COVID-19 by practising social distancing.

Thousands of people from all over Australia and the world came to look at the eight illuminated sculptures. Local artists were gained exposure by having their work included in the exhibition, and local businesses jumped on board by creating Tropical Light-themed products.

As a result of the early closure of the exhibition, the research into the benefits it brought to the Territory will be revised, with the impacts from the Australian bushfires and COVID-19 taken into consideration. Early indications suggest Bruce Munro: Tropical Light was successful in changing people’s perceptions of Darwin during the Tropical Summer.

The Northern Territory Government will continue to look for future opportunities around how to build on this and further activate the Top End during the traditionally quieter season, to increase interstate and international visitation, as well as the liveability of the Territory for Territorians.