Transformer, a new site-specific commission by American artist Doug Aitken, is a permanent, large-scale, interactive art pavilion with a reflective interior, creating a lens consisting of angles and facets, a kaleidoscope that interacts with the landscape over the changing seasons.

Focusing on the sky and the surrounding landscape, the pavilion’s exterior falls away once entered, reflecting the surrounding environment and drawing the viewer into a never-ending kaleidoscope of light and reflection.

The artwork is a federal and state government initiative funded as part of Project X, with the support of DarkLab Pty Ltd, a company owned by David Walsh. 

Project X is a response to the need for economic and tourism stimulation within the Huon Valley following the effects of the 2019 bushfires, and then COVID-19.

The project will:

• deliver a world-leading, sensitive, low-impact commercial tourism activity within a Tasmanian state reserve, respecting and elevating the environmental and cultural significance of the area;

• complement the surrounding businesses and nearby tourist attractions and expand the existing tourism offerings in the region giving visitors more reasons to spend longer in southern Tasmania.

The art installation will be located toward the western edge of the Ida Bay State Reserve at 328 Lune River Road, Ida Bay, southern Tasmania. Related visitor services infrastructure will be developed within the Ida Bay Railway precinct to facilitate the operation of the art installation whilst acknowledging the historic significance of the location.

The artwork is a federal and state government initiative funded as part of Project X, with support of DarkLab Pty Ltd, a company owned by David Walsh.

$8.5 million (including a quality locally-designed visitors’ centre).

No, the project is a not-for-profit venture.

The DarkLab team is working closely with Heritage Tasmania and Heritage consultants; this includes cooperation with the Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society to ensure the heritage of the site is maintained and that the artwork’s plans do not impede the Society’s vision of an operating train at some point in the future if that were to become a possibility.

A development application has been lodged with the Huon Valley Council. Pending approvals, Transformer will open in January 2022.

Doug Aitken is an acclaimed American artist known internationally for his environmental installations.

It is intended that the project will be sensitive to its natural environment. An environmental impact assessment has been completed to ensure that any potential risks are identified and mitigated.

Yes, local Indigenous people will be consulted about the project.

• $4.8 million economic impact on the region (ongoing);

• $4.2 million economic impact on the region (during construction);

• Create 28 new jobs (FTE) during construction and 28 jobs (FTE) ongoing;

• 30,000 visitors to the region.

*Economic Impact Analysis DarkLab ‘Transformer’ Project, October 2020. IPM

The project will:

• generate $4.8 million economic impact on the region (ongoing);

• attract an estimated 30,000 visitors to southern Tasmania each year;

• create 28 jobs (direct FTEs) for Tasmanians during design and construction—the appointment of Tasmanian companies and contractors will be prioritised;

• create 28 direct and indirect new jobs (ongoing);

• complement the surrounding businesses, such as Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs; cafes and tourism businesses in the region; and slightly further afield, will support visitation to the Tahune AirWalk, and the tourist town of Geeveston;

• restore the degraded infrastructure and facilities of the Ida Bay precinct with a new locally-designed visitor centre;

• expand the existing tourism offerings in the region giving visitors more reasons to spend longer in southern Tasmania and stay overnight;

• attract a broader audience of ‘art lovers’ to the region, but also appeal to the existing family market of Tasmanians and locals alike, diversifying and enhancing the current tourism offerings of the region;

• deliver world-leading, sensitive, low-impact commercial tourism activity within Tasmania’s national parks, and reserves, that respects and elevates the environmental and cultural significance of these areas;

• attract visitors to the region during the traditionally low winter season for events such as Hobart’s Dark Mofo, creating new annual and ongoing business opportunities for the region.

Huon Valley Council supports Project X but has no direct involvement with the Transformer project. The Development Application will be submitted to the HVC as part of the normal planning approval and development process.

Artist Doug Aitken said: “Transformer presents an innovative crossover of contemporary art, architecture and ecology. Situated at the end of the road in the Huon Valley, the sculpture will function both as a spectacular destination, and a starting point for the visitor to discover the natural landscape of the region.

“Visitors journey to the Huon Valley to see the artwork and then further their exploration of the natural beauty of the surrounding region. Each and every moment of the sculpture will change continuously with the surrounding light and weather conditions, attracting repeat visits to the region,” Aitken said.