The 2nd Annual MONA FOMA Music & Arts Festival | Now til Jan. 24th, 2010
World-Class Festival of Music and Art Opens in Hobart
Tasmania’s
ground-breaking music and arts festival, MONA FOMA, has opened in
spectacular style tonight with a free outdoor jazz-funk concert in
Hobart’s Salamanca Place.
Speaking at the opening night
concert, Premier David Bartlett said the two-week festival would make a
bold statement about Tasmania and its vibrant arts and music culture
while entertaining tens of thousands of locals and visitors at mostly
free events centred on Hobart’s waterfront precinct.
“Now in
its second year, MONA FOMA shows that a small state like Tasmania can
embrace big ideas and be creative, innovative and confident, ” Mr
Bartlett said.
World-class artistic talent from France, Japan,
Germany, United Kingdom, USA, and New Zealand will join local and
national artists for the festival which continues until Sunday 24
January 2010.
“The festival hub will be Princes Wharf shed 1 on
Hobart’s waterfront, which has been completely transformed with art and
music installations, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy good food
and drinks, ” he said.
Musical highlights for 2010 include
renowned musician and composer John Cale, founding member of the
experimental rock band The Velvet Underground; pioneering hip hop
musician and DJ. Grandmaster Flash (pictured above); and the world premiere of acclaimed
pianist Michael Kieran Harvey’s 48 Fugues of Frank.
Mr Bartlett
said MONA FOMA, which has strong links to the world’s most highly
regarded arts festival, the Venice Biennale, would also showcase some
of the world’s leading contemporary visual arts with events centred on
the Salamanca Arts Centre, Princes Wharf 1, the Tasmanian Museum and
Art Gallery, and MONA’s home at Moorilla Estate.
“MONA FOMA is
the perfect platform for promoting Tasmania’s diverse arts and culture
offerings to Tasmanians and visitors alike, and for creating yet
another reason to visit our vibrant state, ” he said.
“The State Government is delighted to be partnering with MONA again and supporting this showcase of artistic innovation.
“The
State Government’s support means that the majority of events will again
be free to the public, and that Tasmanian artists will be able to work
with renowned musicians and artists from across Australia and around
the world.
“More than 30, 000 people experienced the first MONA
FOMA that was held over four days in 2009. Many more are expected to
take part in this year’s 16-day festival of music and art, which also
includes events celebrating international food and wine, ” he said.
Mr
Bartlett congratulated the Museum of Old and New Art and the Salamanca
Arts Centre for the investment and passion that has made this event
possible.