Mona’s Macquarie Point vision aims to shine a light on the state’s dark past

An artist’s impression of part of Mona’s Macquarie Point 2050 Vision. Rendering: Fender Katsalidis Architects with rush\wright associates and SCENERY

HOBART’S waterfront would be home to the nation’s first cultural precinct which acknowledges Australia’s dark history of colonial warfare, under a plan to be unveiled by Mona. Mona’s founder David Walsh and creative director Leigh Carmichael have revealed the centrepiece of its vision for Macquarie Point – a National Truth and Reconciliation Art Park. The proposal, which has the support of the State Government and Aboriginal leaders, includes a 650m x 75m art park, a major fire and light installation to celebrate 40,000 years of continuous culture in Tasmania, a Tasmanian Aboriginal history centre, living culture centre, library and education facilities. Mr Walsh said Mona was “going to push for” the project “despite knowing we are whitefellas treading on blackfella graves”. “We aren’t doing this to pacify or mollify,” Mr Walsh said. “We are doing it because we believe in it, and we are trying to find a way through. We’ve learned a little bit. It isn’t enough, but we’ll keep learning.” Mr Carmichael said Mona believes Macquarie Point could be the location of Australia’s first major public acknowledgment for a part of our history “that no one wants to talk about, but ultimately made us who we are” …

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