Premier Jeremy Rockliff has welcomed the landmark partnership between Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) and Thailand’s Asset World Corporation (AWC), describing it as a defining moment for Tasmania’s cultural and economic future.
Together, MONA and AWC are developing a significant new art destination on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, MONA Bangkok.
Speaking in Bangkok, Premier Rockliff said the agreement would create economic and cultural activity for Tasmania and strengthen ties with Thailand.
“MONA has transformed Tasmania, attracting visitors from around the world and helping establish the State as a globally recognised creative destination,” the Premier said.
“MONA’s next project places Tasmania at the global forefront of the cultural landscape and is a credit to the passion of David Walsh, Leigh Carmichael and all the MONA team.
“Through creativity, innovation and collaboration, this landmark partnership will deliver a new attraction for Thailand and create more awareness of MONA’s presence in Tasmania.”
AWC and MONA first connected during a Tasmanian Government trade and investment mission last year.
Later that year, AWC travelled to Tasmania to tour some of our iconic producers and meet with MONA and the Office of the Coordinator-General.
AWC is one of Thailand’s leading developers and hospitality companies. This partnership is an opportunity to share Tasmania’s creative economy with audiences in Thailand.
Premier Rockliff said the collaboration would foster valuable exchanges between artists, designers, architects, curators and creative leaders from both jurisdictions.
“Partnerships like this build lasting relationships, deepen understanding and create connections that extend well beyond trade and investment,” he said.
The project also strengthens Tasmania’s international profile and creates future opportunities for the State’s visitor economy.
“We look forward to people being inspired to come to Tasmania to experience MONA after visiting this project in Bangkok,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Every visitor inspired by this project in Thailand is a potential future visitor to Tasmania.”
Premier Rockliff acknowledged the support of Austrade and the Australian Embassy in Thailand, and congratulated MONA and Asset World Corporation on their vision and leadership.