Opened in January 2011, the Museum of Old and New Art – or MONA as it is better known – is intentionally difficult to summarise. David Walsh, a self-made multimillionaire and avid art collector, is the founder of MONA and creator of the unpredictable experience that you can expect when visiting the museum.

MONA is Australia’s largest privately owned museum and showcases Walsh’s extensive personal collection, including modern and contemporary artworks, antiquities and unexpected pieces. The success of his decision to open MONA in Hobart’s northern suburbs has opened doors for others aspiring to bring new ideas to market in Tasmania and to create something new.

The MONA Ferry takes visitors from the centre of Hobart to the museum in style

MONA is a market leader in both the presentation of modern art and in business. It also plays an important mentoring role, paving the path for others, by nurturing and extending opportunities for local artists and businesses. This includes through its regular weekend market, and its Dark MOFO and MONA FOMA festivals.

These festivals step out of the museum and embrace the city, drawing on the participation of local businesses, and enabling them to network and engage with the community.