Sarah Courtney,Minister for Small Business, Hospitality and Events
Tasmania is recognised nationally and internationally for delivering a range of vibrant and bespoke events, reinforcing our strong brand and providing significant economic and social benefits to our State.
As we work to respond to COVID-19 and recover, getting our home-grown events back up and running is a key priority in safely rebuilding visitation as part of the Government's T21 Visitor Economy Action Plan.
The 13th Mona Foma Festival has been given approval to go ahead under the Tasmanian Government's Safe Events and Activities Framework, with the first events scheduled to occur this weekend in Launceston.
I would like to thank Brian Ritchie and the Mona Foma team who have worked hard to adapt the festival to ensure Tasmanians can safely enjoy the unique events, performances and art installations they've come to expect as part of the Mona Foma program.
The Mona Foma Festival is another example of how the Government and Tasmanian event organisers are working together to support the event sector and to ensure Tasmanians can keep doing the things they love safely.
The revised Mona Foma plan included delivering the event in Launceston this weekend (January 15 – 17), followed by Hobart events from 22 – 24 January 2021.
Under its 2021 approach, the Mona Foma Festival will be held in 58 venues in both cities as outlined below:
Launceston: Cataract Gorge (free outdoor event) and in St John's Cathedral, the Old Car Museum, Royal Park, Princess Theatre, Design Tasmania, boatsheds around the Tamar and North Esk rivers, Launceston College and others.
Hobart: Mona Lawns Hobart Synagogue, the old K&D Warehouse site, Town Hall, Theatre Royal, St David's Cathedral, Beaumaris Zoo and more.
Since its inception, the Tasmanian Government has been a proud supporter of the Mona Foma festival with the current funding agreement providing $1.75 million for the event to occur in 2021.
With a range of free and paid performances, I encourage Tasmanians to get out and about and show their support for the Festival, be responsible and to follow COVID safe behaviours.
Event organisers can continue to register their events and submit their COVID-19 Safety Plan through the Business Tasmania website.
