THIS WINTER Asahi Silver Sessions sets up at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) inviting
creative and artistic minds to reveal the secret ingredient to their success.
Hobart 2 June 2014: Asahi Premium Beverages, distributors of Asahi Super Dry, progresses its
stimulating Silver Sessions series initiative to Tasmania on Saturday June 14, hosting a thought-provoking
intimate dinner at MONA in Hobart as part of the Museum of Old and New Art’s winter festival, Dark Mofo.
The Asahi Silver Sessions represents a twelve-month interactive program of events, engaging and
celebrating unique Australian and international creative minds and thinkers. The Asahi Silver Sessions
events adopt the traditional philosophy of Kamishibai, a form of storytelling that originated in Japanese
Buddhist temples in the 12th century, which plays homage to the rich heritage of the Asahi brand.
The Void – MONA’s striking sandstone gallery space 17-metres underground – will house the fourth
installment of the Asahi Silver Sessions, featuring Australian musician and film composer, Jed Kurzel, and
Co-Director and Senior Curator at MONA, Nicole Durling, unveiling their secret ingredients to the success
of their careers.
Jed Kurzel is an award-winning Australian composer and musician whose career began writing scores for
independent short films, critically-praised documentaries, theatre productions and television series in
Australia and abroad. Jed is commonly recognised as the front man and songwriter for award-winning
rock band, The Mess Hall. He recently made his feature film debut composing the soundtrack for the
critically-acclaimed Australian film Snowtown, and is currently working on Macbeth (directed by brother
Justin Kurzel, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard).
Nicole Durling is Co-Director of Exhibitions and Collections and Senior Curator at MONA. Nicole has
played an intrinsic role for the past nine years in shaping the direction of the museum’s curatorial,
collections and exhibition programs. Based in Melbourne, Nicole holds a Masters of Fine Arts and was
Sotheby’s contemporary art specialist before joining MONA. Working closely with Co-Director Olivier
Varenne, she one of the key collaborators at MONA, influencing the curatorial direction, of the exhibitions,
acquisitions, artist relationships, installations, and project development. Nicole has curated Monanism
(2011-ongoing); Theatre of the World (2012-2013), and The Red Queen (June 2013 – September 2014);
along with many of the art and performance projects in MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo, including Beam In
Thine Own Eye (June–July 2013).
These creative individuals have a vast range of insightful knowledge from their industry and will share
personal ideas, experiences and journey in a unique and interesting presentation.
The Silver Sessions MONA event in Hobart follows the success of events held in Melbourne, Sydney and
Brisbane, which have featured local and international individuals who have represented the Asahi Super
Dry principles of sophistication, creativity and distinction, sharing their professional and personal journey.
Asahi Super Dry launched a two-year partnership with MONA in January 2014, which sees the brand
collaborate with the museum across its summer program, MONA FOMA, and winter project, Dark Mofo.
Michael Vousden, Beer and Cider Marketing Manager for Asahi Premium Beverages states “Partnering
with Dark Mofo is an enlightening alignment, which will no doubt uncover further insights and ideas of
these artistic, creative minds. The Asahi Silver Sessions celebrates the raw side of people and their talent,
and hosting this event at the iconic MONA will add an incredible edge to our series.”
In addition to the intimate and exclusive Asahi Silver Session, Asahi Super Dry will activate at the Dark
Mofo Winter Feast that sees over 8,ooo festival goers a day.
Highlights from previous Asahi Silver Sessions can be relived through engaging online content which
includes presentations by actor Gabriel Macht from hit US series Suits, award-winning artist Vincent
Fantauzzo and leading Australian actor Gyton Grantley who were all part of Silver Sessions held in
February, March and May of this year.
MONA
