Mona is hosting the inaugural Australian Fair for Freedom of Belief and Religion to be held from July 26 to 27, 2014.

The AFFBR seeks to bring together a wide range of groups, communities and organisations from around Australia to present a broad spectrum of beliefs and religious views as represented in our contemporary society.  The AFFBR will run for two days and will include forums and workshops offering visitors the chance to experience and to learn about many diverse viewpoints.

“I am sure everyone will be wondering why Mona is doing this given David Walsh’s clear statements of non-belief in any gods,” says Jarrod Rawlins, Mona’s assistant curator.
“We have the freedom to offer a forum where everyone can engage with and learn about the beliefs and religious views that are part of many people’s lives. We hope the fair is a place of freedom, tolerance and learning,” Rawlins added.

Rawlins confirmed that expressions of interest have been sent to many groups inviting them to take part and so far there has been a great response.  He said that Mona will not charge any fee to registered participants to take part in the fair, and that there were still a handful of positions available.

IN SUMMARY
What:  Australian Fair for Freedom of Belief and Religion
Where: Mona – Museum of Old and New Art
When:  July 26 and 27, 2014; 10 am to 5pm
What provided: exhibition booth, table and chair, cinema for talks and films, spaces for workshops and other related activities
Cost: No booth charges for registered participants
Contact Details: affbr@mona.net.au

PARTICIPATING GROUPS SIGNED TO DATE
Eckankar
Ecorevolutionaries
First Church of Christ, Scientist, Hobart
Goddess Association in Australia Inc.
Loads of Laughter (laughing yoga)
Love Hobart
Share International / Tara Network
Synod of Victoria and Tasmania
Tashi Choling Dharma Foundation / Hobart Buddhist Meditation Centre
Kabbalah Australia
Hobart Sukyo Mahikari Centre
Ron Cruikshank - Pathways of Light
The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change
Religions for Peace Australia
Brahma Kumaris Australia
The Tasmanian Pagan Alliance
The Emmanuel Synagogue
Hobart Spiritualist Church
The Lotus Centre Hobart
Professor Douglas Ezzy – Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Tasmania, Hobart
Dr. Graeme Miles – Lecturer in Classics, University of Tasmania, Hobart
Mandy Cruikshank - Colour Vibrations (harp meditation)

The Museum of Old and New Art