Mona Foma, stylised as MONA FOMA (an acronym for Museum of Old and New Art: Festival of Music and Art, often further shortened to MOFO) was an annual music and arts festival held in Tasmania, Australia, curated by Violent Femmes member Brian Ritchie. Recognised as Tasmania's largest contemporary music festival, it featured a broad range of artistic genres, including sound, noise, dance, theatre, visual art, performance, and new media.
A wintertime version of the festival, Dark Mofo, is held annually in June, primarily showcasing events at night.
History
Mona Foma, launched in 2009, initially took place in Hobart before moving to Launceston in 2019 and hosting events across both cities commencing the following year. Known for its mix of music, performance art, and visual installations, the festival grew into a major annual cultural event in Tasmania.
2009: Inaugural festival
The first Mona Foma was held in January 2009, headlined by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The event attracted over 10,000 attendees and included a range of performances and installations across Hobart.
The 2010 festival featured John Cale as its first Eminent Artist in Residence (EAR), marking a step towards broader international engagement. Curator Brian Ritchie described Mona Foma as a “unique cultural experience” and referred to it as a "cultural lighthouse" in Tasmania’s arts scene.
By 2013, Mona Foma’s programming had become widely noted for its diverse lineup. That year’s event, described as “eclectic as ever” by The Sydney Morning Herald, included experimental music, dance, and performance art, drawing both international and Australian artists.
In 2015, Mona Foma partnered with Insite Arts to support larger, site-specific installations that aligned with the festival’s goal of creating immersive art experiences.
The 2016 Mona Foma featured an experimental lineup with performances from Tetema (a collaboration between Mike Patton of Faith No More and Australian composer Anthony Pateras), Swans, and minimalist musician Philip Glass. Art installations ranged from immersive displays to pieces that provoked public discussion.
In 2019, Mona Foma relocated to Launceston, where it continued to showcase a wide range of performances and visual art. This year’s festival included installations that engaged with public spaces and continued the festival’s reputation for innovative programming.
2020: Language and cultural themes
The 2020 festival examined themes around “music’s language barriers,” featuring artists from varied cultural backgrounds and languages, with a focus on performances that transcended traditional linguistic divides. The festival included a performance at Queen Victoria Museum & Art Gallery by Josh Foley (*performing as Xydep Xydahlia) and took place inside Foley's large scale immersive installation called Calculating Infinity which drew record crowds to the site.
2021: Sidney Nolan retrospective
The 2021 edition featured a retrospective on Australian artist Sidney Nolan, including his experimental spray-painted works, continuing the festival’s emphasis on visual arts and its showcasing of prominent Australian artists.
2023: Feminist and Indie Headliners
In 2023, Mona Foma’s lineup included feminist punk and indie artists such as Angel Olsen, Bikini Kill, and Peaches. This lineup highlighted the festival’s focus on diverse genres and artists.
2024: Final Festival and closure
In April 2024, it was announced that Mona Foma would no longer continue. Founder David Walsh cited the "spell wearing off" as a primary reason for the festival's closure. The announcement marked the end of what had become a major event in Tasmania’s arts calendar.
