University of Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania’s long-awaited Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) opened its spectacular doors in late January 2011.

David Walsh, the gambler and philanthropist behind the $180 million venture, famously has invited comment. Cultural critics have been divided – some love it, others loathe it.

Meanwhile, more than 100,000 punters have voted with their feet, beating a steady path to Berriedale. So what’s the verdict?

What does MONA mean? is the topic of this Denison Debate presented by the Inglis Clark Centre for Civil Society at UTAS.

This Denison Debate features Dr Natasha Cica, Director of the Inglis Clark Centre, in conversation with five guest speakers:

• Associate Professor John Armstrong, Philosopher-in-Residence at Melbourne Business School.
• Jo Duffy, the new Artistic Director of Tasmania’s Ten Days on the Island festival.
• Professor Noel Frankham, Head of the Tasmanian School of Art at UTAS.
• Tim Penny, architect.
• Diane Caney, author.

Dr Cica said MONA is a stand-out initiative and David Walsh’s timing is “impeccable”.

“MONA has the potential to be a game-changer in Tasmania – culturally, economically and socially. MONA is not just about art,” Dr Cica said.

“It’s an invitation to more Tasmanians to be bolder and more visionary, to be more reflective thinkers and more pro-active doers. So we need to begin exploring what MONA might mean.”

The Denison Debate series is a forum designed to promote open and vibrant Tasmanian conversations about ideas and values in our society.