Mona Foma, run by the iconic Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart, is a summer festival of music and art, and is returning for its sixteenth edition from 15 February to 2 March 2024. This festival is the ying to Dark Mofo’s yang – a celebration in the sparkling light as opposed to the gothic wintry dark. While international acts such as Queens of the Stone Age and Australian legends Paul Kelly and Courtney Barnett feature, there is also a plethora of brilliant local Tasmanian acts that are well worth catching as well as the usual eclectic array of fascinating artists and events, including the return of frequently reviewed genius Ben Salter to curate regular musical events.
Brian Ritchie, Artistic Director, Mona Foma, says:
Mona Foma wrangles over 500 performers and artists from places as far flung as Nigeria, Taiwan, Rajasthan and Launceston into a veritable orgy of creativity. If you can’t find something to do, then you’re dead—but then you wouldn’t be reading this. So, buy tickets, except for TISM, which
is free. One of the most reclusive bands (only three gigs in twenty years) for free in amongst the most unique water feature of any urban environment, qualifies as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Carpe diem.
The full program can be found here.
This year’s program includes unpredictable art, world premieres, and a thrilling array of Tasmanian exclusives—in unexpected and well-loved venues. These include:
- Queens of The Stone Age return to Mona for their first ever gig on the museum’s lawns – with more tickets to be released on 21 November.
- A free one-day concert at Launceston’s stunning Cataract Gorge featuring TISM, Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Mulga Bore Hard Rock and FFLORA x Grace Chia.
- Paul Kelly taking audiences on a live journey through his 2022 compilation: Time.
- Courtney Barnett in collaboration with Australian drummer Stella Mozgawa.
- Songwriter Darren Hanlon and percussion virtuoso Bree van Reyk join forces with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.
- Barcelona-based producer Filastine and Indonesian neo soul singer Nova deliver live music and a meditation on the climate crisis from the deck of a sailing ship.
- Nigerian multi sensory artist Emeka Ogboh continues his global conversation on migration and belonging with an immersive work revolving around gin in his first Australian commission.
- The world premiere of artist Justin Shoulder’s ground-breaking performance work Anito.
- French-Korean siblings and viral musical sensations Isaac et Nora (14 and 11 years old respectively) leading a family project with Latin-American songs learned by ear.
- In his Australian debut, Taiwanese visual artist Yahon Chang uses brushes as big as he is on a vast floor canvas to create his work.
- Wayfinder by Australia’s leading contemporary dance company Dancenorth featuring music by Hiatus Kaiyote and design from visual artist Hiromi Tango.
- A weekend of Mona Sessions featuring international artists Mogwai (SCO), Lonnie Holley (USA), Irreversible Entanglements (USA), Holy Fuck (CAN), Shonen Knife (JAP), Wednesday (USA), Michael Rother + Friends play Neu! (GER) and Shruti Sessions (IND) alongside Australian artists, Little Ugly Girls, Kutcha Edwards and Australian Art Orchestra, Eleanor Jawurlngali Triad and Koi Kingdom.
- The return of Mona Foma’s late-night crowd favourite Faux Mo, this time converting The Granada Tavern into an autonomous community; a temporary state of party.
What a panoply of pleasure. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, 21 November 2023 and can be bought from here.
