Mona Foma Announces 2023 Program

Mona Foma is returning with a bang in 2023. Launceston will host a massive free party weekend from 17–19 February, centred around an exciting new hub, the reUNIÓN district (known to locals as the Old Tafe Building). 

nipaluna / Hobart is offering up three stunning summer nights of Mona Sessions with the previously announced Peaches, Bikini Kill, Pavement, Angel Olsen, and newly added Jockstrap, and Vieux Farka Touré. 

These beloved international artists will be joined by Australian legends, including Kutcha Edwards, Miss Kaninna and Shoeb Ahmad, across the weekend of 24–26 February, following the mid-week standalone Bon Iver gig on Tuesday, 21 February.

2023's Artist In Residence is US composer, pianist, and curator Nico Muhly, who will deliver a triple threat of performances, such as a concert with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Chorus, while Songs Of Freedom pays tribute to the family of John Pat, 40 years after his passing in custody. 

A late-night party—aptly called The Party—in the bowels of the Old Mercury Building in nipaluna / Hobart will feature performers, DJs and lots of fun.

Brian Ritchie, the Artistic Director of Mona Foma, said: "After a couple of hairy but exhilarating years due to you-know-what, Mona Foma is back with all guns blazing, international artists returning to the party and a two-pronged approach to Launceston and nipaluna / Hobart."

He added, "Launceston's hub experience is a vibrant, complex, immersive and FREE display of art and performance in the old Tafe building—reUNIÓN district. nipaluna / Hobart has a formidable array of concert experiences. Sprinkled around both cities are satellite events. Enjoy two radically different but equally enjoyable experiences by attending in both Launceston and nipaluna / Hobart."

Fantastic Futures and The Old Tafe Sessions are the dual pillars of happenings in Launceston (with free attendance requiring registration via the festival’s website). 

Joining the already announced Perturbator, The Chills, and Kae Tempest at the Old Tafe Sessions are I Hold The Lion’s Paw, Chikchika, Parvyn, Yirinda, Turiya Always: Celebrating Alice Coltrane and Soccer Mommy.

Find more information on the complete program and purchase tickets on the Mona Foma website. Further tickets will be available tomorrow at 11 am local time.