The Unconformity: A Journey Through Queenstown's Heritage and Arts Festival
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Tasmania's West Coast, the festival now known as The Unconformity serves as a vibrant intersection of history, art, and community. What began as a celebration of local heritage has evolved into a multidisciplinary event that leverages the unique industrial backdrop of Queenstown to inspire contemporary creativity.
Key Facts
- Founded: 2010 as the Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival.
- Rebranded: Renamed "The Unconformity" in 2016.
- Core Focus: Site-specific art, music, and performances inspired by mining history and the West Coast landscape.
- Notable Tradition: The festival's grand finale is a football match held on the Queenstown Oval.
The Evolution of the Festival
The event first commenced in 2010 under the name Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival. In its early years, the festival focused heavily on the intersection of local history and artistic expression, often utilizing old buildings and available spaces within Queenstown to house works by Tasmanian artists.
The 2012 Centenary Commemorations
The 2012 event was particularly significant, as it commemorated the centenary of the North Mount Lyell disaster. The program featured exhibitions and enactments that mirrored the tragic events of 1912. A poignant part of these celebrations involved the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which participated in a re-enactment of transporting victims to the Queenstown cemetery.
Beyond the historical commemorations, the 2012 festival expanded its artistic reach. Partnering with the Hobart-based Inflight ARI, the festival commissioned five site-specific contemporary artworks—pieces created to exist in a particular location—across Queenstown and Linda. The event also hosted a "North Lyell Mine Disaster Forum" at the Queenstown RSL, featuring historian Geoffrey Blainey, and received support from local sponsors including the historic Empire Hotel.
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Transition to The Unconformity
After another iteration in 2014, the festival underwent a major rebranding in 2016, officially becoming The Unconformity. The 2016 event, held on October 14 and 16, saw substantial crowds at its opening events and established the tradition of concluding the festivities with a football match on the Queenstown Oval. This new identity was further cemented during the second event under the new name in October 2018.
Challenges and Resilience
The global COVID-19 pandemic created significant disruptions for the festival. The 2020 event was postponed to 2021; however, the 2021 event was cancelled on its starting day. This sudden cancellation occurred when Tasmania's southern region, encompassing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs), entered a three-day lockdown at 6:00 PM. The lockdown was triggered by a man with the Delta variant who had escaped hotel quarantine and moved through the community before being located by police the following day.
Recent and Future Celebrations
The festival returned in 2023 from October 19 to 22, continuing its tradition of site-specific art and performances that engage with the distinctive mining history and landscape of the region. Most recently, the 2025 festival took place from October 16 to 19, presenting a comprehensive program of music, performance, and community events inspired by the unique culture of Tasmania's West Coast.
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Festival Timeline Summary
| Year | Event Name / Status | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival | Inaugural event. |
| 2012 | Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival | North Mount Lyell disaster centenary; Inflight ARI artworks. |
| 2014 | Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival | Festival held. |
| 2016 | The Unconformity | Official rebranding; introduction of the Queenstown Oval football match. |
| 2018 | The Unconformity | Second event under the new name. |
| 2020-21 | Postponed / Cancelled | Cancelled due to COVID-19 Delta variant lockdown. |
| 2023 | The Unconformity | Focus on mining history and site-specific art. |
| 2025 | The Unconformity | Program of art, music, and community events. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Unconformity?
The Unconformity is an arts and heritage festival in Queenstown, Tasmania, that features site-specific art, music, and performances inspired by the region's unique landscape and mining history.
When did the festival change its name?
The festival was originally called the Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival when it started in 2010, but it was renamed The Unconformity in 2016.
What historical event was commemorated in 2012?
The 2012 event commemorated the centenary of the North Mount Lyell disaster, featuring enactments and a forum with Geoffrey Blainey.
Why was the 2021 event cancelled?
The 2021 event was cancelled on its start date due to a three-day lockdown in Tasmania's southern region triggered by a COVID-19 Delta variant breach of hotel quarantine.
What is the traditional grand finale of the festival?
The festival typically concludes with a football match held on the Queenstown Oval.