Annual Report 2017/ 18

midsumma.org.au

Image: Zelia Rose performs at Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special. Photo Alexis D. Lea Photography 2017/ 18 Annual Report

Contents

What is Midsumma Festival? 4

Chair’s Report 6

2018 Midsumma Festival Highlights 8

2018 Economic Overview 10

2018 Program Overview and Highlights 13 - Signature Events 13 - Midsumma Presents Program 17 - Open Access Program 21 - Events Outside of Festival Season 23

Focus Areas in 2018 24

But That’s Not All 32

Who Are Our Audiences? 34

Our Reach 36

Treasurer’s Report 37

2018 Financial Report 38

Our People 47

Our Partners 50

Appendix 51

Cover image: Kimberly Twiner, Beni Lola, Alexand Colossimo and Dani Boi. Photo by Alexis D. Lea Photography

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Who Are We? •• We are a cultural connector and influencer. What Is •• We are the intersection between people, Midsumma ideas, stories and experiences. Festival? •• We are a thought-leader and a learning organisation.

Midsumma Festival •• We are active and constantly evolving. is ’s premier Progression and development lies at our core. LGBTQIA+ cultural festival, •• We are a focal point for connections and for and by communities belonging. who live with shared •• We are globally relevant and connected. experiences around •• We value diversity and embrace diverse gender difference. and sexuality. What Although the primary festival is held in Do We Do? summer each year, Midsumma works year-round to provide artists, social- •• We promote, develop and celebrate changers and culture-makers with support queer arts and culture. and development, to create, present and •• We create inclusive safe cultural and promote their work and tell their stories. social spaces. Midsumma plays a vital role in the life of the many varied communities with which •• We lead conversations and we listen. we regularly engage. •• We champion collaboration. Midsumma works hard to make the many •• We provide platforms for shared diverse queer communities in Victoria more experiences. visible, more effectively interconnected, and to provide a platform for cultural •• We increase visibility in a world that voices and stories that are often not heard often under-represents us, and amplify otherwise in the broader community. voices that might otherwise not be seen or heard.

•• We imagine positive futures. •• We challenge and inspire. •• We seek new perspectives and paradigms; yet never forget the value of our past.

•• We offer time, place and space for our Image: Midsumma Carnival families precinct. Photo by Suzanne Balding communities and allies to engage.

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‘We offer time, place and space for our communities and allies to engage.’

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This year we saw the largest ever Chair’s Report commitment both in value and term Another year, another festival and yet from the Victorian State Government again I pinch myself that I have the honour due to their belief in what the festival of being the Chair of such a special part of delivers to the community, and what ’s DNA. For more than 30 years they see we will continue to offer. We now Midsumma has been the cornerstone have also seen record commitment from of LGBTQIA+ communities, and on a wider corporate sponsors which is extremely scale a critical part of the Melbourne heartening. With this in mind Midsumma cultural scene. still has to self generate 70% of our own funding which I am thrilled to say we With a festival so loved for its rich history, have successfully achieved this year. I see the biggest responsibility as Chair to ensure that the festival is always set up Lastly and the thing I am by far the for longevity. With this in mind the past most proud of is the development year had to be focused on growth and and implementation of our mentoring innovation. program. In line with our strategy of being thought-leaders, Midsumma has I am thrilled to say due to an incredible launched Midsumma Futures, a mentoring team and a powerhouse board, the festival program that partners upcoming artists achieved record growth in so many areas in with experienced industry mentors the past year, cementing Midsumma as one to support them in every aspect of of the largest festivals in Victoria. becoming a professional. We have also taken this a step further at the end of We saw 40% more events this year on this financial year to launch Midsumma the previous year and an incredible 75% Pathways, a mentoring program for increase in audience numbers. What LGBTQIA+ artists living with disability. pleased us more than just audience growth was the meaningful engagement with Our mentoring programs highlight not the community with people seeing three just our commitment to growing and events on average throughout the festival. developing our organisation, but to Great programming played a key part in growing and developing the talent pool this to ensure we were meeting the needs of future artists to ensure queer arts and wants of our growing communities. in Melbourne will be in strong, capable hands for generations to come. One of the things I am most proud of in recent years is our increased engagement I couldn’t be more thrilled with what we with our communities in our key strategic have achieved and delivered to the owners areas including youth, diverse families, of our festival, the LGBTQIA+ communities. seniors, our gender diverse cultures, First Again a massive thank you to our CEO, Nations, and those living with disabilities. staff, board and the many impressive Ensuring Midsumma is a truly diverse volunteers who make it all possible. festival was essential to ensure its future and this year’s engagement across all areas John Caldwell was at an all time high. Chair, Midsumma Festival Inc. To watch such a precious organisation grow and adapt to the changing market and meet the needs of such varied communities whilst operating on such incredibly tight budgets makes me so extremely proud.

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‘Ensuring Midsumma is a truly diverse festival was essential to ensure its future and this year’s engagement across all areas was at an all time high’.

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2018 MIDsumma festival highlights

Our Audiences 264,895 Attended Midsumma Festival 2018, with 42% new attendees.

105,000 75% Midsumma Carnival Increase in attendance for the estimated attendance 2018 arts and culture program and an overall festival attendance increase of 41% 25% 3 Audiences who identify as Average number of events ‘families’ representing a 5% attended by each festival increase on previous year attendee

Image: Midsumma Carnival 2018. Photo by Tanya McCulloch

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Our 2018 Program

50 180 Sold-out events Events Representing a 40% increase $26 on the 2017 program Average ticket price

54% Increase in Auslan interpreted 50% or audio described events Free events

Our Communities’ Commitment 2,310 Volunteer hours over 22 265 days of the festival – a 17% Volunteers increase on 2017

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2018 ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

34% C 63%C increase in earned event increase in total income income (bars, ticketing, over two years registrations, stalls) in two years 36% C 66%C increase in corporate increase in corporate sponsorship in one year sponsorship over two years 100%C 42% C increase in philanthropic increase in philanthropic donations over two years donations in one year

Image: Midsumma Carnival 2018. Photo by Tanya McCulloch

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Increased visitation and associated economic impact for Victoria

73% of 7% of attendees attendees were from metropolitan were from regional Victoria. Melbourne

16% of 3% of audiences audiences travelled from outside Victoria, were overseas visitors, an an increase of 11% on 2017 increase of 2% from 2017

$8.02 Million $18.66 Million direct economic impact to broader gross economic Victoria estimated by an impact of the festival on the independent study local economy across multiple employment sectors*

95 FTEs equivalent created across tourism, transport, retail, food and beverage sectors.

*After application of accepted ABS gross value-add multipliers for events,

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‘Midsumma Carnival attracts a broad attendance across age ranges and demographics; truly representing inclusion and diversity in all its forms.’

Image: Miss Blanks at Midsumma Carnival. Photo Tanya McCulloch

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2018 Program Overview And Highlights

Signature Events kids by artist Dan Goronszy as well as a reading corner by Hares and Hyenas Midsumma Carnival featuring book readings by Jo Hirst (author of The Gender Fairy) and Sarah J. Corner Midsumma Festival commenced on Sunday (author of Raf and the Robots). 14 January 2018 with the first of its larger signature events, Midsumma Carnival – Midsumma Carnival 2018 implemented an iconic outdoor celebration that has a focus on safety and well-being, with become one of the biggest highlights in safety messaging throughout the site the LGBTQIA+ annual calendar. The event (from sun-smart through to sexual consent provides a fitting opening to the festival education) and a new Chill Zone, a rest- each year. Midsumma Carnival is a huge zone with trained mental-health first single day event running from 11am aid “angels” as well as a special support until 10pm in Alexandra Gardens in service for seniors provided by Alice’s Melbourne’s CBD, with a massive set up Garage. Some LGBTI seniors said they had and overall coordination required for come to Carnival for the first time because delivery each year. they had this space as a ‘home’ base. This highly successful new initiative was Midsumma Carnival attracts a broad affectionately referred to as ‘The Tea Tent’ attendance across age ranges and – Alice’s Garage made over 100 cups of tea demographics; truly representing inclusion over the day. and diversity in all its forms. We expanded our under-18 Youth Zone This popular annual event is free to created in partnership with Minus 18 which the public and whilst exact attendance was also really well received. A special numbers are impossible to count, stall guest visit by the band The XX during the holders and previous regular attendees day was a highlight for those entitled to repeatedly commented that they felt the enter the Youth Zone. event attracted far greater numbers than in previous years, evidenced by people Midsumma Carnival 2018 was the most traffic across all key sites around the event accessible yet. Not only was 70% of the when compared with previous stakeholder program interpreted by Auslan Stage experiences. Left, this year saw the commissioning of Carnival’s first-ever interactive tactile For this year the Midsumma Carnival installation by Slow Art Collective in site footprint was extended to enable collaboration with Description Victoria the introduction of additional areas – for blind and low vision community and expansions of others, specifically members – made possible with the support to increase the engagement for a of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust. As a broader range of our communities and sign of Midsumma’s ongoing commitment demographics. All of these areas were full to access, Guide Dogs Victoria provided throughout the day (and night). an access audit of the event so we can A brand-new families/kids zone was continue to break barriers of participation added as part of our ongoing exploration for all LGBTQIA+ peoples in future years. of programming for diverse families. This precinct included activities for (and by)

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Official attendances at Midsumma Carnival have been conservatively estimated at more than 105,000 people with some independent estimates much higher. 168 community stalls (up from 142 the The daytime stage program included previous year) participated, and multiple a comprehensive artistic line-up of stages were programmed throughout the performances on the Main Stage including day and evening. internationally renowned musicians The This year we expanded the picnic community Belle Miners, local queer comedy troupe stage programming throughout the evening PO PO MO CO, new circus group Spectrum, for the first time. The programming for the voice-to-die-for Leather Lungs, the star Carnival was focused around performers of The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney registered within the Midsumma Program, to Houston Show Belinda Davids, and pop punk provide maximum promotional opportunities smut-talking duo taking the queer world by for these artists/events; supplemented with storm Marion Cranes. guest artists and key fun community events The line-up also included participants from specifically devised for the day. Midsumma’s mentoring program for early- Official proceedings on the Main Stage career artists, Midsumma Futures including mid-afternoon included a ‘Welcome to new drag virtuoso Ms CeCe Rockerfeller Country’ presented by Auntie Dianne Kerr, (Christopher Fieldus) and contemporary and speeches by the Cr Rohan Leppert - Indian dancer Raina Peterson. representing City of Melbourne, Minister Hennessy representing State Government of Victoria, and Rachel Slade, Executive General Manager: Deposits & Transaction Services and Executive Sponsor of Pride@NAB. Image: Midsumma Pride March. Photo Suzanne Balding

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Hosted throughout the day by the much- Midsumma Pride March loved Dolly Diamond and the nationally recognised drag queen knockout Marzi The second of our signature events was Panne, Midsumma Carnival also saw the the Midsumma Pride March, conducted return of community groups Melbourne for the 23rd year, on 28 January 2018. This Rainbow Band and Melbourne Gay and iconic event brings together members of Lesbian Chorus. the community from across Melbourne. Unfortunately, this day was marred by The Picnic Stage was the heart of extreme heat of 41 degrees. Despite the participation by the Midsumma community, heat, marcher numbers were still the second with the return of the festival-favourite Dog highest ever recorded at 5,300 although Show with host Karen from Finance. New the heat did impact on the numbers of supporter Guide Dogs Victoria were present spectators watching the event. It was and judges included Commissioner for estimated by St Kilda Police and security Gender and Sexuality Equality Ro Allen, representatives that 15,000 people lined My Pet Warehouse’s Scott Love and Guide the streets and balconies along the march Dogs Victoria’s Charlie Spendlove. route to show their support. The event has After its inaugural success in 2017, Dean been held in the afternoon for almost all of Arcuri returned to the Picnic Stage to host its past history however Midsumma is now the ultimate lip sync competition with Lip currently exploring changes in start time, Sync Limelight. New to the Picnic Stage away from the hottest part of the day as a was Tristan Meecham (All the Queens Men) mitigation strategy against future days of with a fashion competition to find the best- extreme heat. dressed at Carnival. Dykes on Bikes preceded the marching As the sun went down Midsumma Carnival contingent as per tradition with the march turned into T Dance, an ostentatious fun itself led by Boon Wurrung Elders and dance party. This year T Dance’s footprint a First Nations contingent along with was expanded from one stage to two the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, stages. Midsumma Partner, Levi’s, supported Minister Martin Foley and Commissioner for the headline act - Indigenous Gender and Sexuality Equality Ro Allen. hip-hop artist Miss Blanks. Midsumma marked the success of the Hosted by Midsumma alumni and now one marriage equality campaign by giving of the top cabaret troupes in the country pride-of-place in the march to campaign YUMMY, T Dance was made of a diverse groups Australian Marriage Equality and line-up of DJs, musicians and performance . These groups were followed by acts including performances by the ‘Faces hundreds of young people, often amongst of Indigenous Pride’, a queer Indigenous the most vulnerable within our communities, ambassador program presented by who were once again placed towards the Midsumma and Vic NAIDOC, Zoe Diaq and front of the march as a positive and strong Ana Diction. affirmation for LGBTQIA+ youth. The Sports Precinct was once again For the second year Midsumma continued presented by partner community the Midsumma Pride March Awards, organisation Team Melbourne with special intended to encourage colourful and guest appearances from team members innovative contributions from march of new Midsumma Partner, Richmond participants. This year’s judging panel were Football Club. Micah Scott (Minus18 CEO); artistic director

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To further mark the breakthrough in same- sex marriage equality in – the triumphant turning point in the queer political landscape – Midsumma Festival hosted the marriage of Melbourne and founder of Victoria’s first Indigenous couple Sue and Mel during the contemporary dance theatre company post-Pride Celebrations. They were married IDJA, Jacob Boheme (Yirramboi Festival); by Melbourne gay marriage celebrant and transgender artist and spokesperson, Bronte Price in the presence of family, Amao Leota Lu (performer and social friends and the Midsumma community. worker). Media coverage for Pride March was once 2018 Pride March Award winners were: again very strong with all free to air TV stations covering the event on their news • Most Fabulous broadcasts. Jews Of Pride • Most Significant Message Midsumma Horizon No Pride in Detention Evoking queer history at the most • Most Innovative contemporary of art-parties Scouts Victoria The last of the three large scale ‘free to At the conclusion of the march, attendees attend’ Midsumma produced signature were led into Catani Gardens for events was Midsumma Horizon on Friday 2 celebrations and entertainment including February (closing weekend of the festival) DJs and live performances from DJ Renee at , running from 9pm Delay and DJ Tanzer, the Melbourne Gay until 2am. and Lesbian Chorus, singer and iconoclast- This art party was an invitation to travel to in-the-making Brendan Maclean, and disco the past and celebrate the history of queer pop band Sugar Fed Leopards – all hosted communities, with attendees dressing as by Mr Gay Pride Australia 2018 and MKR their most beloved queer history figures. star, Jordan Bruno. Formalities included a Welcome to Country by Arweet Carolyn Emcees Miss Ellaneous and Marzi Briggs, the Minister for Creative Industries Panne led a night full of performance and and Equality Martin Foley and the Mayor of provocation, featuring Paul Capsis, Zelia City of Port Phillip Cr Bernadene Voss. Rose, Maude Davey, The Huxleys, June Jones (Two Steps on Water), Mama Alto, PO PO MO CO, Queen Kong and the Homosapiens, DJ Jen Moore, DJ Tanzer, DJ Miicha and Bachelorette Beauty Service. The setting of the State Library proved a fabulous venue for what was one of the highlights of the festival.

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MIDSUMMA PRESENTS PROGRAM

Midsumma Festival has been working hard Partnerships for co-presented events to increase the role that we play proactively included , State in developing the queer cultural footprint Library of Victoria, Yirramboi Indigenous Arts of Melbourne. For the 2018 festival this Festival, Minus 18, Incinerator Gallery, ACMI, was clearly seen by the increase of events Abbotsford Convent, QueerTech.io, Alice’s directly produced by or co-presented Garage, Cocoa Butter Club, Gasworks, City by Midsumma, as the festival stepped of Melbourne’s Arts Play program, Slow Art into a leadership position and generated Collective, and Out The Back Studio. programming for and with communities that There were multiple threads in the were underrepresented previously in the 2018 festival program that presented open-access arm of the program. We utilised contemporary reflections on queer history partnerships with outstanding cultural and this proved an important element to venues and community groups to produce meeting the needs of our communities 30 separate events in 2018 (increased from post the ‘yes vote’ and its lead up earlier in five Midsumma presented events in 2017), the year. Such events included Midsumma’s including 15 special events held in the own produced events Midsumma Horizon, Midsumma Festival Bar programmed directly WE ARE HERE (State Library of Victoria by Midsumma for the first time. and Australia Gay and Lesbian Archives collaboration) and Never A Crime (Visual Arts exhibition reflecting on the impacts of Gay Law reform in Victoria). Externally produced open access event Queers and

Image: The Huxleys at Midsumma Horizon. Our Hidden Histories also talked directly to Photo: Alexis D. Lea Photography the issue of ‘hidden histories’.

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The 2018 Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize took place at No Vacancy Gallery, opening with a VIP function and awards ceremony on the evening of 24 January and then running through until 4 February. Midsumma Comedy Extravaganza An artist talk was held at the exhibition on 1 February to enable interested patrons Produced in partnership with Arts Centre to gain deeper understanding about the Melbourne this production was designed motivations and implications behind the to capture a mainstream audience while artist’s works. profiling outstanding queer comedy talent. Curated by Midsumma alumni The 2018 Midsumma Australia Post Art comedian Thomas Jaspers, this one-night Prize Winners were installation artist Tama sell out event at the Fairfax Theatre was tk Sharman (Main Prize), photographer hosted by Joel Creasey and featured Rhys Lesley Turnbull ( Prize) and Nicholson, Lori Bell, Dolly Diamond, Bobby digital artist Xanthe Dobbie (People’s Macumber and Kirsty Webeck. Choice Award). Midsumma Youth Spectacular Finalists of the 2018 Midsumma Australia The inaugural Midsumma Youth Post Art Prize exhibited include: Spectacular was produced in partnership Eureka (Michael James O’Hanlon), Lesley with Minus18 and made possible by support Turnbull, Louis Fourie, Marc-O-Matic, Mark from City of Yarra. This new event at the du Potiers, Meg Wilson, Peter Shepherd, Melba Spiegeltent successfully generated Sam Foster, Sha Gaze, Sylvia Hollis, Tama tk cultural participation by twelve young Sharman, and Xanthe Dobbie. LGBTQIA+ performers who all featured Never A Crime in this one-night variety showcase. See further details on page 24. This socially-engaged photographic exhibition by photographer Lisa White Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize was presented in partnership with Alice’s Since its inauguration in 2016 the Garage (a national initiative empowering Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize has LGBTI elders) and presented at St Heliers quickly established itself as the nation’s Street Gallery at Abbotsford Convent. The leading queer art award and exhibition. exhibition explored men’s experiences of homosexual law reform, Victoria’s With finalists selected from across the expungement scheme and the apology country, the Midsumma Australia Post from Premier Daniel Andrews – putting a Art Prize is a survey of outstanding queer spotlight on issues to mature-aged LGBTI artists reflecting their potent personal and communities. The exhibition opened political perspectives on the world. With a with a VIP function on 21 January and prize pool of $7000, this is a nation-wide the exhibition was open until 4 February. non-acquisitive annual award featuring An engaging companion forum with the early-career and established artists working Human Rights Law Centre was held as part in any medium. Judges of the major art of the exhibition on the closing afternoon. prize of $5000 include curator Kelly Gellatly (Director, The Ian Potter Museum of Art) and independent artist and writer Abbra Kotlarczyk (Art+Australia, un magazine, Das Platforms). Finalists also competed for the People’s Choice Prize of $1000 and the Star Observer Prize of $1000.

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QueerTech.io dance), Wãni (sonic spoken word), Ana For 2018, Midsumma took a second leap Diction (gender-play boylesque) into the digital queer realm. Co-presenting and was hosted by emcees Nayuka with QueerTech.io in association with ACMI, Gorrie (writer for Vice, Junkee) and Davey this was an extraordinary online gathering Thompson (Circus Oz). Many of the of artists at the frontier of creative practice performers and audiences for this event from across the globe that saw almost 3,000 had never previously been inside Arts visitors engage online. Centre Melbourne let alone performed on its stages. A selection of works from QueerTech.io featured in the prestigious ACMI ART + WE ARE HERE FILM screening (2 February) during The WE ARE HERE exhibition highlighted the festival, accompanied by an in- queer cultural heritage as a major theme conversation with curators and artists. for the 2018 festival. This hallmark The online component ran from 12 January exhibition, curated by Angela Bailey, was to 22 March. co-produced by Midsumma Festival and State Library Victoria. Taking place in the Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special library’s Palmer Hall the exhibition was The Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special opened with a capacity VIP function on 18 celebrated Queer and Trans People of January and ran through to 1 April. Colour (QTPOC) in a one-night sell-out performance event co-produced by Five outstanding contemporary visual Midsumma Festival, Cocoa Butter Club: artists - Susan Maco Forrester, Peter Melbourne and Arts Centre Melbourne Waples-Crowe, Briony Galligan, Peter on 19 January. This event aimed to create Lambropoulos, Archie Barry - created space within Midsumma for culturally new works drawing on archival material diverse and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ artists from the State Library Victoria and the and audiences. This variety night at The Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives and Fairfax Theatre featured an incredible featured their works in Palmer Hall at line-up including Zelia Rose (Miss State Library Victoria. An artist talk was Burlesque Australia 2014 winner), Mojo held on 3 February to provide audiences Juju (futuristic soul funk musician), Garret with a chance to hear artists talking about Lyon (singer), Krista Herrington (deaf the motivations for their work, and this drag queen diva), Raina Peterson and attracted a very strong attendance. Govind (classical Indian burlesque performers), Illini Kabalan, Bu Lutiu, Olivia Leilani Crawford & Iki San (Pacific Islander

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and attendances were considerably higher than the previous year. Bombini Buzz reported an increase in their patronage of over 30% for the period due to the Festival. All events in this venue were free to attend. Black Magic Events programmed in the Bar included This exhibition provided insights into First Dolly Diamond’s Piano Bar (each Monday Nations dialogues on sexuality. Held at night of the festival), a jazz night with Incinerator Gallery in Moonee Ponds this Mama Alto, video and performance art exhibition was opened on 19 January by duo The Huxley’s, powerhouse cabaret local Mayor John Sipek; Commissioner for group YUMMY, a craft party for bisexuals Gender and Sexuality Equality Ro Allen; with hosts from JOY 94.9’s Triple Bi-Pass and Midsumma Chief Executive Karen and visual artist Yvette Turnbull (also a Bryant. The exhibition ran through to Midsumma Futures participant), a spotlight 18 February. night on transgender and gender non- binary artists with musicians Spike Fuck Midsumma Festival Bar @ Bombini Buzz, and LAY the Mystic as well as theatre Arts Centre Melbourne. artists Mick Roe and Joshua Lynzaat. After its inaugural success in 2017 Midsumma once again had its own official The Midsumma Festival Bar hosted a Festival club presented once again in series of special talks events as Midsumma partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne. joyfully interrogated issues relevant to This year Midsumma took on the LGBTQIA+ communities. Eat Me: Queers, programming of this venue itself for the Food and Intimacy featured queer chefs first time and this resulted in a significant Ryan Adrijich (Queer Eye for the Straight increase in events in the Festival Bar and Guy) and Tony Tan (The Age) as well as increased attendances. The Festival Bar writer Nevo Zisin (Finding Nevo) and moved to a new venue at Bombini Buzz, drag sensation Aysha Buffet – hosted by set on the riverside promenade side of Tristan Meecham (All the Queens Men). Hamer Hall. The History Salon, produced in partnership with Yirramboi Festival, featured Uncle This venue provided a great place for Jack Charles who reflected on his life and festival patrons and artists to meet arts work as an Indigenous gay man. Bent friends before shows or to continue their Lines: Designing a Queer City, produced in experience after shows well into the partnership with Open House Melbourne, evening, as well as to specifically attend saw audience experience the city from a programmed performances and talks and queer perspective on a walking tour with forums. The concept proved very popular academic and musician Simona Castricum, visual artist Nikos Pantazopoulos and designer Luca Lana. Queer Producers Gathering - A Conversation of Care, an arts-industry only forum, saw Midsumma take an industry lead in shaping the conversation on the challenges and considerations in producing and presenting queer work.

Image opposite: Hir by Red Stitch Theatre

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Midsumma Festival Open Access Program

Heading up the Open Access Program Midsumma at Gasworks are the Midsumma venue hubs. Two Recently renovated and reopened, new venue hubs joined the three venue Gasworks presented an extensive program hubs of 2017. Midsumma Hubs support including Beyond the Binary (visual arts artists by committing to presenting work exhibition showcasing gender diverse almost every night of the 22-day Festival artist J.Rosenbaum – winner of the 2017 period. A diverse range of works were Midsumma Australia Post Arts Prize), Larry showcased, representing a variety of vital and the Dame: Magnum Opus (music conversations taking place amongst local theatre) Love Box (visual arts exhibition), and interstate LGBTQIA+ communities by Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis (theatre), extraordinary artists and culture-makers. Spectrum (circus), The Helendale Nude Footy Calendar (theatre) and in partnership MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL HUBS with Midsumma, conducted the Playtime Staged Readings (theatre/writing). Midsumma at Arts Centre Melbourne For the second year running Arts Centre Midsumma at The Hare Hole Melbourne programmed within their A long-time supporter of Midsumma and venues. Events included sold-out John of new and intimate works, Melbourne’s Barrowman in Concert in Hamer Hall; favourite queer bookshop and event venue RIOT in the Fairfax Studio, and then in Hares & Hyenas again presented a huge partnership with Midsumma Festival body of events across the 22 days of co-presented sold-out event Midsumma Midsumma. This included Leather Lungs: Comedy Extravaganza in Fairfax Studio; Son of a Preacher (cabaret), Goddess and also sold-out Cocoa Butter Club Grooves (women’s music event), Lemon Midsumma Special. 21 Midsumma Festival

Comedy Queer Showcase (comedy), Midsumma at La Mama Quipping’s: Not Normcore! (spoken word Another new Midsumma venue hub by disability cultures), The Cabin (theatre), for 2018, La Mama showcased a range Some Strings Attached (theatre), Peter of events, many of which sold out. Allen Live in Inverted Commas (cabaret), Events at La Mama included Can’t Be Po Po Mo Co’s Second Birthday Show Tamed (theatre), DRAGGED (Theatre), (comedy), Queer Kids Then and Now Homophonic (new classical music), La (talk/forum), and Scenes From the Scene Nonna (theatre), #romeoandjuliet (theatre). (exhibition). GOWEST Program Midsumma at Chapel Off Chapel Midsumma once again partnered with Joining Midsumma as a hub venue for the Hobson’s Bay City Council and other first time, this popular venue presented a western region council partners Brimbank range of events including: Falsettos (music City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, theatre), Mama Alto’s Queerly Beloved Melton City Council, Moonee Valley City (cabaret), Spice Up Your Life (theatre/ Council and Wyndham City Council to music), Through the Night (spoken word), present GOWEST. Midsumma is proud to Inside/Out (exhibition), We Were There support queer communities in Melbourne’s (theatre), What A Drag! (cabaret). vibrant West. GOWEST promotes and fosters a diverse and inclusive community in western metropolitan Melbourne. Sixteen events took place as part of this initiative.

Overall the Open Access Program provided a huge and diverse range of events from music, comedy, cabaret, film, visual and digital arts, circus, variety, social events, forums, walks, faith events and markets.

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OTHER EVENTS OUTSIDE OF THE FESTIVAL SEASON

MIDWINTA GALA 2017 All funds raised from Midwinta each year Midsumma Festival’s fourth annual go toward supporting Midsumma artist and fundraising black-tie event Midwinta Gala, community initiatives. was held on Saturday 12 August 2017 in the PRIDE MARCH BAKE-OFF 2017 splendid surrounds of the Plaza Ballroom A fundraiser for the annual Midsumma located under the Regent Theatre, Collins Pride March organised by Dean Accuri Street, Melbourne. and other valued community members With an underlying theme of passion was held on Sunday 5 November 2017 at it proved to be an exciting night of DTs Pub in Richmond with community celebration with celebrated journalist Anjali member cakes competing for the crown in Rao as MC and entertainment from Casey six categories, with all funds raised going Donovan; Alfie Arcuri; Mama Alto; Dolly towards Midsumma Pride March. Judging Diamond supported by dancers from Fame categories included: Most Fabulously Agenda; and the cast of YUMMY! led by Delicious Cake; Most Marvellously Stunning James Welsby. At the Chair’s VIP function Cake; Best Cake; Queerest prior to the main event attendees were Concoction; Perfect Pastry; and People’s entertained by the Louisa Rankin Trio. Choice - Best Looking Cake. The event was sold-out to 577 attendees who were indulged with a delicious three- course meal and beverage package as part of their ticket purchase.

Image: Midwinta Gala 2017. Photo Dean Arcuri

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FOCUS AREAS IN 2018

INCREASED FOCUS their artistic talents but often had one act rather than a full full-length show. Many ON YOUNG PEOPLE felt they did not have the capabilities to hire a venue and technical staff, undertake In 2018 Midsumma worked to significantly marketing or secure necessary insurance increase the presence of young people for such an event. As producer of this actively participating in the festival event, Midsumma secured funding and both in terms of number and depth managed logistics to make this event of engagement. Once again a strong possible. Audience numbers were high contingent of young people also marched with the evening just about reaching venue near the front of Midsumma Pride March. capacity for this wonderful evening of Midsumma Youth Spectacular entertainment. The inaugural Midsumma Youth Youth Zone at Midsumma Carnival Spectacular was produced in partnership We expanded our under-18 Youth Zone with Minus18 and made possible by run in partnership with Minus18 that was support from City of Yarra. The event really well received. A special guest visit was held at the Melba Spiegeltent in by the band The XX during the day was Collingwood. This new event at the Melba a highlight for those entitled to enter the Spiegeltent successfully generated cultural Youth Zone. participation by twelve young LGBTQIA+ performers who all featured in this one- night variety showcase. This event was conceived after requests from a range of Image: Midsumma Carnival. young performers who wanted to present Photo Suzanne Balding

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Midsumma also saw an increase in and we recognise their continuing spiritual dedicated youth events within the open and cultural connection to the land. access program, a result of the work Midsumma Festival occurs throughout achieved in 2017 where this area was the Kulin Nation on the lands of Boon a priority for the festival. These events Wurrung, Taungwurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, included: Wonder Fest and Park Lounge. Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri people. Midsumma Festival takes place between INCREASED FOCUS High Summer and Late Summer according ON FAMILIES to the Wurundjeri calendar of seasons, on whose land much of this Festival took place. Midsumma Carnival In 2017 Midsumma had engaged for the A brand-new families/kids zone was first time an Indigenous Engagement added as part of our ongoing exploration Coordinator. We continued commitment of programming for diverse families. This to this important role for the 2018 Festival. precinct included activities for (and by) Mark Nannup who is a young queer kids by artist Dan Goronszy as well as Indigenous man undertook this role, a reading corner by Hares and Hyenas supported by Elders. Mark also works featuring book readings by Jo Hirst (author across events such as NAIDOC week of The Gender Fairy) and Sarah J. Corner (including NAIDOC Pride March) and (author of Raf and the Robots). Melbourne’s Indigenous Pride Nights. In the ArtPlay: Our Time to Shine! lead up to the 2018 festival Mark instigated Produced in partnership with City of a Midsumma event within NAIDOC week Melbourne’s ArtPlay this project provided for the first time, an important milestone a workshop place where children from in ongoing engagement across our First babies to 12 year-olds could explore Nations communities. their creativity and share unique artistic Meaningful engagement with LGBTQIA+ experiences with professional artists. This Indigenous communities was achieved event was a pilot exercise in engaging with throughout the year, culminating in diverse and queer families – the workshop increased participation during the 2018 received over 100 registrations indicating a festival. There was a significant increase growing market and appetite for this work, in First Nations events in both the open and an exciting platform for Midsumma for access and ‘Midsumma Presents’ programs the future. for 2018.

The results of these activities saw an Vic NAIDOC Crowning increase of 5% of audiences identifying as For the first time, two members of the families from the previous year. Indigenous community were ‘crowned’ during NAIDOC Week in July 2017, INCREASED FOCUS ON OUR FIRST NATIONS Midsumma acknowledges that Indigenous Australians are the first peoples of these lands. We pay our respects to all Indigenous Australians, past and present,

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a role which allowed them to lead the Indigenous cohort in Midsumma Pride March and feature in events throughout the festival. The two members crowned were performers Ana Diction (Harley Dunnolly- Lee) and Zodiac (Zac Widders).

Midsumma Presented Events Open Access Program As per a new tradition established in Blak Dot Gallery registered the exhibition 2017, a smoking ceremony was held near Blak-Queer Futurism and Wyndham Art the Ian Johnson Oval for Midsumma Gallery registered an Indigenous exhibition Pride March with the march itself led by Shifting Elements and Camp Dogs by Boon Wurrung Elders and a First Nations performer and artist Kamahi Djordan King. contingent. Midsumma collaborated with Incinerator Gallery to produce the Black INCREASED FOCUS ON Magic exhibition and subsequent talk First Nations Pride. This exhibition which ran People of Colour (POC) through to 18 February provided insights There was a significant lift in events into First Nations dialogues on sexuality. representing People of Colour (PoC) more Held at Incinerator Gallery in Moonee generally. Ponds this exhibition was opened on 19 January by the local Mayor, Commissioner Midsumma Presented Events for Gender and Equality Rowena Allen and Midsumma partnered with Arts Centre Midsumma Chief Executive, Karen Bryant. Melbourne to present sold-out event The The History Salon produced in partnership Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special where with Yirramboi Festival, featured Uncle we also introduced audiences and performers Jack Charles who reflected on his life and alike to Arts Centre Melbourne, a venue arts work as an Indigenous gay man. There was a capacity attendance at the event, programmed as part of the Midsumma Image: Mojo Juju at Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Festival Bar at Bombini Buzz. Special. Photo by Alexis D Lea Photography

26 2017/ 18 Annual Report many had never previously entered. We INCREASED FOCUS ON collaborated with State Library Victoria and ALGA to present WE ARE HERE an TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY exhibition featuring the works by artists The 2018 program saw a larger number who identify as First Nations or PoC. of events with transgender performers The Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize and content, and not only did we see an was won by Tama tk Sharman from increase in audience attendance from our Aotearoa/New Zealand. transgender communities but our volunteer Open Access Events workforce also rose to 3.5% identifying as Midsumma Futures participant Raina transgender. Peterson produced Bent Bollywood which Midsumma Presented Events enjoyed sold out performances. In the Popular hip hop artist Miss Blanks was broader open access program All Sorts generously presented by Midsumma party was highly successful, and Mama partner Levi’s as the headline act at Alto: Queerly Beloved was very well Midsumma Carnival; Simona Castricum received. featured in Midsumma Talks event Bent Lines – Designing a Queer City; and Increased Engagement Mama Alto performed at three Midsumma with Culturally and presented events as well as her own show. Linguistically Diverse Open Access Program 2017 winner of the Midsumma Australia Audiences and Artists Post Art Prize, J. Rosenbaum presented With a view to increasing participation for their own exhibition Beyond the Binary; and by Victoria’s multicultural communities international artist Genesis Breyer we embarked on a stronger relationship P-Orridge presented an exhibition Loyalty with Multicultural Arts Victoria (MAV) Does Not End With Death; Red Stitch by supporting their December 2017 Theatre produced a sell-out season of event Balimbing – Filipino Queerness, a HIR written by Taylor Mac and three other photographic art exhibition by Gregory open access events CHINTZ, Glitterfist: Lorenzutti and subsequent talks event Libertine and talks event Transforming portraying the unique queer and Family Connections – The They Thing multicultural LGBTQIA+ community of also contributed to the strength of the Tacloban City in the Philippines. transgender program. Over one-third of artists programmed by Midsumma Festival for its three signature events: Midsumma Carnival; Pride March; and Midsumma Horizon identified as culturally and linguistically diverse.

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Our approach aims to facilitate both the active participation of members of the LGBTQIA+ communities who identify as living with a disability, but also build new audiences for LGBTQIA+ artists within the various disability communities. In this way, INCREASED FOCUS ON as well as ensuring that Midsumma Festival DISABILITY CULTURES is as accessible as possible, our initiatives aim to rebuild disabled, low vision and deaf Midsumma recognises a responsibility peoples’ confidence in engaging with arts to achieve genuine outcomes beyond and cultural events. Our leadership in this written policies and procedures, and area can become a model and support for legislative requirements. True accessibility other community and arts organisations in and inclusion goes far beyond whether a the future. venue is accessible or not, and over the past two years we have developed and implemented a broad range of accessibility initiatives to ensure that all Midsumma events are inclusive of the broadest possible participation.

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Our comprehensive disability activities will program guide or websites for events or become integral to the whole culture of our attend and engage with events. These organisation and the festival is committed included a plain text version of the printed to ensuring we continue to further develop program guide and a screen-readable flip- our relationship with a variety of disability book version of the printed program guide communities through improved access courtesy of media partners Grindstone and engagement strategies. The festival Creative. actively partners with a wide range of established local disability organisations Auslan Description to both develop initiatives and to promote In 2018 the amount of events with Auslan them. Interpretation saw a 54% increase on the previous year. Not only were there more Access strategies delivered during Midsumma Presented events interpreted, Midsumma Festival 2018 but we also saw an increase in open access Funding from Helen Macpherson Smith producers who saw the opportunity of Trust and partnerships with Description further promotion as a valuable way to Victoria, Arts Access Victoria, Guide Dogs extend audiences for their events. This Victoria and Auslan Stage Left enabled a was a direct result of significant advocacy diverse range of extended services aimed work by Midsumma in this area and the at disability access and engagement. modelling of best practice by Midsumma for all of its own events in the 2017 The Midsumma Program Guide was festival program (first time ever that ALL produced in multiple formats designed Midsumma produced events included to facilitate increased access to those Auslan interpretation where suitable.) less able to access/read standard printed

Midsumma Presented events with Auslan Interpreted sessions

Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize exhibition opening 25 Jan Midsumma Carnival (2 x stages) 14 Jan Midsumma Pride March (1 x stage at post-Pride celebrations in Catani Gardens) 28 Jan Midsumma Horizon 2 Feb Midsumma Comedy Extravaganza 24 Jan Midsumma Youth Spectacular 23 Jan Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special 19 Jan WE ARE HERE opening night and artist talk 3 Feb

Image: Deaf artist Bryan Baggio aka Krista Herrington at Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special

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Open Access External Registered Events with Auslan Interpreted sessions

Antigone X 30 Jan – 4 Feb Art Queery 31 Jan DRAGGED 25 Jan – 4 Feb Killjoy: Destroy the Fantasy 24 Jan – 3 Feb Mama Alto: Queerly Beloved 19 Jan Multicultural Queer Australia 22 Jan Park lounge 3 Feb Quippings: Not Normcore 27 Jan

Audio Description 2018 also saw the rise of a wealth of Audio Described events and initiatives for attendees with low vision well above previously available services. These included:

Midsumma Presented Audio described sessions

Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special 19 Jan WE ARE HERE Audio Tour 3 Feb

Open Access Registered Events with Audio Described Sessions

A red wine cheers to the intimacy of industry 27 Jan Queer Tarot Cards 26 Jan RIOT! 2 Feb

Audio Description of Some Program Guide Narratives Midsumma partnered with Description Victoria to create an audio version of full event descriptions for events that enhanced the experience of attending for people with low vision. The events fully described were: Midsumma Carnival 14 Jan Cocoa Butter Club: Midsumma Special 19 Jan WE ARE HERE opening night 19 Jan Homophonic! 30 Jan RIOT! 2 Feb

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In addition, this service was extended Tactile Tour to a ‘Listing’ of events with summary One open access event, Homophonic, descriptions which might also appeal to conducted a tactile tour of the venue attendees with low vision. space one hour prior to the performance Audio Described Event listings included to allow low vision attendees to familiarise themselves with the venue. This is an •• Introduction to the festival initiative Midsumma hopes to develop and welcome message further into the future across the program.

•• Midsumma Carnival Relaxed Performances •• Cocoa Butter Club Midsumma Special For the first time Midsumma event producers were encouraged by Midsumma •• Homophonic! Tactile Tour to consider 'relaxed performances' •• RIOT intended specifically to be sensitive to and accepting of audience members who may •• WE ARE HERE benefit from a more relaxed environment, including (but not limited to) those with •• Talks events: Art Queery; Everyone Has autistic spectrum conditions, anyone with a Story; F*cked; First Nations Pride; sensory and communication disorders or Generations of Queer; Multicultural learning disabled people. Queer Australia; Queer Kids–Then and Now; Transforming Family Connections– Events that contributed with Relaxed Making Peace with Your Parents; Performances included: Transforming Family Connections–The They Thing; VAC Hypothetical and In •• In Conversation with Jason Ball 5 Feb Conversation with Jason Ball •• Klub Korporate 20 Jan •• Live Performance Events: Au Cause •• Pride Power 21 Jan Celebre; Falsettos; 40 Years of Kate Bush; Goddess Grooves; John •• The Same Sex Dancesport Barrowman; Leather Lungs; and Lemon Championships 3 Feb Comedy Queer Comedy •• The Big Times 17 Jan •• Social Events •• Faith Events Commissioned Public Artwork / Installation Another inaugural initiative for Midsumma Festival 2018 was a collaboration between Midsumma, Slow Art Collective and Description Victoria to commission, design build and install a Tactile visual arts Installation at Midsumma Carnival - a sensory experience artwork. Attendees could participate in a workshop with Blind and low vision artists on site that ‘added’ to the artwork throughout the day.

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But that’s not all we’ve done

MENTORING INITIATIVES All receive VIP passes to attend the following Midsumma Festival, with Midsumma Futures increased support for those who may also In its first year Midsumma Futures, a register an open access event. nine-month mentoring program has been This initative is a core component in extremely successful. This developmental Midsumma’s commitment to playing an program is designed for LGBTQIA+ active role in the development of queer early-career artists and future community culture within Victoria. Midsumma receives leaders to advance their vocation, deepen no direct funding for this capacity building their practice, gain skills and exposure and project and raised all funds itself through lead the future of queer culture. donations to ensure that this project can Midsumma Futures brings together proceed. a diverse range of artists from across Twelve participants took part in 2017/2018 disciplines as well as producers, socially representing young artists and culture engaged practitioners, community leaders, makers in the following areas: playwriting; creative thinkers and culture-makers. performance; stage design; theatre Once connections are made between direction; film making; visual arts; and early-career and established practitioners, interdisciplinary arts. participants attend a series of five group workshops in professional skill and career development as well as their one-on-one sessions with a mentor. Image: Midsumma Futures participants Alisha Abate and Jack Fitzgerald. Photo Eugene Howard

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Midsumma Futures Participants 2017 Awards and Their Mentors 2017/18 Adolfo Aranjuez GLOBE Community Awards 2017 mentored by Jack May (Victoria) We were thrilled to be awarded the ‘Connecting our Community’ award at Alisha Abate Melbourne’s GLOBE Community Awards mentored by Millie Catlin (Victoria) in October 2017, in particular for the work Archie Barry we had done in the Indigenous, Access mentored by Gordon Hall (USA) and Youth spaces within the LGBTQIA+ communities. Christopher Fieldus mentored by Justin Shoulder (NSW) Melbourne Community Awards 2017 Midsumma was a finalist in the prestigious Jack Fitzgerald Melbourne Awards in the ‘Contribution to mentored by Julie Kalceff (NSW) Community by a Community Organisation’ Justin Nott category. mentored by Emma Valente (Victoria) Kate Lefoe A Refreshed Brand mentored by Glendyn Ivin (Victoria) Identity Mick Klepner Roe The Midsumma team identified that the mentored by Kate Sulan (Victoria) Festival’s logo was somewhat dated. It was made of fine lines which ‘strobed’ visually Parisa and was therefore difficult for those with mentored by Anahita Ghazvinizadeh (Iran) low vision; and also was not considered Raina Peterson representative of the large variety of mentored by Mariaa Randall (Victoria) diverse communities we represent. Yvette Turnbull We sought a new contemporary visual mentored by Adi Goodrich (USA) identity that our diverse communities could engage with but that remained highly Zoe Brinnand sensitive to the value we place on our past. mentored by Zoe Coobs Marr (Victoria) We also wanted to confidently reflect our organisational values through a new Midsumma Pathways brand identity. In 2018 Midsumma Pathways is the inaugural capacity building and skill We believe that the resulting logo, development project working with up to designed by Sweet Creative, met all of ten creative LGBTQIA+ members of the the above as well as representing the safe community who also identify as living inclusive cultural spaces that we create for with disability. Midsumma Pathways is a our communities and events. At the same companion project to Midsumma Futures time the new visuals successfully reflect program and aims not only to develop skills history by referencing our previous logo. but will also build capacity for participants in a broader context through introducing and interacting with LGBTQIA+ creative communities, venues and networks. The aim is to build skills and networks that can be further built upon by participants in the future. At 30 June 2018, the program is in process of recruiting its first participants.

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Who Are Our Audiences?

Sexual Diversity Gender Diversity

Lesbian...... 14% Transgender...... 2% Gay...... 30% Male...... 47% Bisexual...... 10% Female...... 43% Heterosexual...... 25% Non-binary...... 5% Asexual...... 1% Prefer not to say...... 1% Queer...... 9% Other...... 1%

Diversity (other than sexuality or gender) 24% of those surveyed also answered the following questions (an increase of 26% on 2017). Of them:

5% 53% 26% 15% identify as come from identify as a identify as Aboriginal or a non-English person with a carer of a Torres Strait speaking disability person with Islander background disability

Age

17% 40% 20% 14% 18–24 25–35 36–45 46–54 year olds year olds year olds year olds

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Household Structure

29% 29% 17% 25% Single Couple Share house Family (representing a 5% increase on 2017)

Income (per annum)

15% 27% 42% Under $40,000 $40,000 – $80,000 $80,000+

Residence

73% 16% 7% 3% Melbourne Interstate Regional International - - an increase Victoria an increase of of 11% on 2017 2% on 2017

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OUR REACH

Marketing Campaign With 35,000 printed guides and posters distributed across Melbourne's cafes and cultural hotspots, plus a wealth of advertising resulting from significant media partnerships with The Guardian, Star Observer, Instagram, Joy 94.9, and oOh! Media - the festival enjoyed its largest reach yet.

Social Media Social media engagement increased across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. With a new partnership from Instagram we were thrilled to achieve a +28% increase in engagement through that social media channel in particular.

Current followers on each platform End of last (2017) festival % increase

Facebook 22418 21096 +6% Instagram 5701 4090 +28% Twitter 7023 6600 +6%

Publicity Midsumma engaged an external PR firm; Zilla & Brooke who were an obvious choice as they had a long history in conducting publicity for similar events/festivals – and business owner Fiona Brook also produced a show on Joy 94.9 so we felt they would be culturally sensitive to our communities. Increased PR activity resulted in this investment. Total PR value generated over the festival period was 733 articles externally estimated at a value of $10,851,711 with an estimated total reach (people) of 214,972,675.

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pledges at Midwinta were greatly appreciated. The board has also renewed their declaration in 2017-18 to make a financial commitment to the festival above their in-kind donations and board commitments. As our patron program TREASURER’S evolves, I urge those able to contribute, or REPORT interested in joining to contact the office. The 2018 Festival was a step up for 2017-18 is my final year as Treasurer, and Midsumma in many ways and it’s a pleasure I will be stepping down officially at the to read the operational and engagement 2018 AGM and passing the baton to the outcomes delivered. This could not have capable Michael Fuller-Smith who joined happened without the dedication of the Midsumma board this year. I look the entire team, the board, the many forward to taking part in Midsumma from volunteers and the stewardship of our the outside in Summer 2019! Chair John and our CEO Karen. It was I’d like to make my final thanks to the entire definitely a year worth celebrating and board for their significant contribution in the quality of the events was incredible. I 2017-18. I’d also like to pay tribute to board hope you enjoyed attending the Carnival, members over the past 31 years who have Pride March, the 100s of festival events and made Midsumma possible and a special Midwinta as well. A number of events were thanks to Danny Vadasz for his part and also held during the year and allowed us to contribution in starting Midsumma all those continue building engagement spaces for years ago. Of course, none of this happens queer artists. without our community, attendees, On the Financials - The financials for suppliers, staff, donors, sponsors, and our the financial year 2017-18 are presented Government supporters – thank you for overleaf in addition to the auditor’s notes. your continued support and I look forward We continue to work on a sustainable to having more time for a drink with you on income mix to ensure that Midsumma the other side! can deliver every year and support Happy Midsumma! LGBTQIA+ artists. This year income was up from the previous year and budget Jamal Hakim predominately due to increased corporate Outgoing Treasurer, commitments from existing sponsors and Midsumma Festival Inc. a committed funding grant awarded by the Department of Premier and Cabinet. This increased revenue was invested in delivering additional support and quality improvements to the program, and was in line with budget. Total net surplus was $6,138, favourable to the prior year net surplus of $3,779. The festival cannot be delived without the support of the community, both financially and non-financially. Our patrons continue to support us again this year, and the

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OUR PEOPLE

MIDSUMMA Midsumma Work Placements Programming BOARD Festival Team Patrick Hayes and Ashley Erben Chair Operations John Caldwell Chief Executive Arts Administration Samantha Butterworth Acting Treasurer Karen Bryant Jamal Hakim Finance & Office Manager Summer Placement Programming Secretary Kylie Breeze until May 2018 John Pyburn Stephen Hanlon and Angus Li from May 2018 Production Acting Deputy Chair Aaron O’Shannessy Administrator Production Manager Irene Swensen to February Tania Wilson Ordinary Board Member 2018 and Matt Hirst from Andrea Pearman May 2018 Summer Work Placements Production Ordinary Board Member Volunteers’ Coordinator Caroline Kowalski and Rhys Cranney Evan Lawson Megan Henderson

Ordinary Board Member Programming Marketing & Jo Whyte Programming Manager Communications Joined September 2017 Daniel Santangeli Marketing & Strategic Ordinary Board Member Partnerships Manager Ticketing Manager & Tori Berquist Tania Owen Producer Services Joined September 2017 Alexina Coad Publicity Ordinary Board Member Zilla & Brook Festival Bar Program Michael Daly Manager Communications & Joined September 2017 Kellie Jayne Chambers and Website Volunteer Ordinary Board Member John Pyburn Alan Drummond Sebastian Norman Midsumma Horizon Summer Placements Joined September 2017 Producer Marketing Olivia Allen Leith Kenny and Robert Henningham Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize Coordinator darcy t gunk

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The Cocoa Butter Club Our Volunteers Melbourne The festival is much loved by Yirramboi Festival the Victorian and broader Thank You LGBTQIA+ community and for this year’s festival 265 Graphic Design Risk & Emergency volunteers contributed New Brand and Program Management Consultants almost 2,510 volunteer Guide Design Bill Coleby & Bianca Eden hours to assist the delivery Sweet Creative Bar Management of events over the 22 days. Festival Advertising Prime Collective Volunteer ages: and Campaigns Pixel City Midwinta 15-24 30% Gala Coordination Annual Report and Jason Potter, EMG Events 25-34 41% Partnership Assets 35-44 11% Forde + Nicol Bake Off Fundraising Coordinator 45-54 5% Artistic and Cultural Dean Arcuri Program Partners 55-64 10% Fundraising support Abbotsford Convent for Midsumma Futures 65 + 3% ACMI Stomping Ground Brewery Gender Identity of Indigenous Alice’s Garage volunteers: Engagement Coordinator ArtPlay Mark Nannup Female: 55.7%

Arts Centre Melbourne Faces of Indigenous Pride Male: 37.7% Harley Dunolly-Lee and Australian Lesbian and Transgender: 3.3% Zac Collins-Widders Gay Archives Non-Binary: 1.7% Angela Bailey Access Services for Blind and Low Vision Audiences Other: 1.6% Gasworks Arts Park Description Victoria Volunteer occupation: GOWEST Auslan Services Auslan Stage Left Student: 33% Guide Dogs Victoria Youth Ambassadors Retired: 9% Incinerator Gallery Adrian Murdoch, Emma Employed: 46% Minus18 Nahal, Sarah Lambourne, Milo Milton Self employed: 8% Open House Melbourne Unemployed: 4% QueerTech.io State Library Victoria

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Our Valued Rainbow Patrons Life Members ($500 – $1,000) Ray Arthur Supporters Aaron O’Shannessy Angela Bailey Tim Bateson Andrea Pearman Midsumma Patrons Claire Beckwith Diamond Patrons Angus Hayes Dean Bryant ($5,000+) Scott Campbell Colin Smith Glyn Cryer Valentina Jovanoska and John Cummins Adrian Lewis Dennis Altman Sasha Cunningham Devinia Liddelow Michael Dalton Gold Patron Georgie Harman Kris Darmody ($2,000 – $4,999) Alan Drummond Lahn Straney Ian Gould Jeff Dycer Peter Edmonds Jamal Hakim Naum Tered Sue Fletcher Luke Gallagher Anonymous donor Jo Whyte Brenton Geyer John Caldwell Ian V. Gould Silver Patrons Leigh Johns OAM Jeffrey Grad ($1,000 – $1,999) Ian Greer Adam John Lowe Mark Meierjohann Nigel Higgins Michael Daly Crusader Hillis Howell Williams Leigh Johns Jessica Morden Michael Parry Geraldine Kirby Matto Lucas Robert Morrison Jude Munro Lee Matthews Mark Matthews and Rhys Cranney David Micallef Antony Jarvis Letizia Mondello Sebastian Norman David Owen Tim Morden Stephen Hanlon Kaye Sera Ron Thiele Stuart Kollmorgen and Rowland Thomson Rodrigo Reis Danny Vadasz Swinburne University Tracey Wall Will Walton Tori Berquist Lisa Watts Roxy B. Wilde

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OUR PARTNERS

Principal Partners

MAJOR Partners

GOLD Partners

SILVER Partners

our health in our hands

PRESENTING Partners

COMMUNITY MEDIA Partners

MEDIA Partners

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APPENDIX Community engagement

1. Midsumma Carnival • Berry Street: Red 5 B Community Stalls • Beyond the Two: Blue 16 C1 There were two main stall blocks at • Burnet Institute: Green 8 A/B Carnival 2018: the Sports Precinct at the • Carers Australia Victoria: Blue 5 B St Kilda Rd end of the park and the main Stalls Village at the other end, in the Picnic • Chillout Festival: Green 16 D Precinct. • Christalignment: Green 13 A/B Alphabetical List of Stalls • City of Casey Connected Communities: • Abbercrombie Hatch and Sons: Blue 13 C Green 7 D • Active Pride: Sports Precinct • City of Melbourne: Green 2 C/D • AFL Pride Collective: Sports Precinct • City of Port Phillip: White 10 • Aged Care Assessment Service: Blue 5 A • City of Stonnington: Green 3 A/B • AGL: White 1 • cohealth: Blue 14 D • Alpha Travel: Blue 9 A • Collins Street Psychology: Green 5 C • Ambulance Victoria: Blue 8 C • Corrs: Blue 2 C/D • Amnesty International - VIC LGBTQIA+: Blue 14 C • Dan Murphy’s: Yellow 3 A/B • Animal Justice Party: Blue 10 D • Defence Force Recruitment: Blue 6 C/D • Animals Australia: Blue 10 C • Drummond Street: Green 2 A/B • Australia Post: White 6 • Dykes on Bikes: Yellow 5 B • Australian Education Union: Green 4 C • EACH: Green 7 A/B • Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives: Blue 12 C • Environment Victoria: Blue 11 C • Australian Unity: Green 8 C/D • Equal Love: Blue 5 C

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• Kerdo Legal : Red 6 C • Keshet Australia: Yellow 5 D • KHQ Family & Relationship Lawyers: Green 15 A • Equality Campaign: Yellow 3 C/D • KIIS 101.1: Blue A/B • Federal Liberals: Blue 15 D • KNOTbound: Blue 16 A • Fenix Events: Green 15 C • La Trobe University: Green 4 D • Fiona Patten MP: Blue 12 D • Levis: White 2 • Gamblers Health: Blue 11 D • Liberal Pride (Liberal party of Victoria): Blue 15 C • Gay & Lesbian Foundation Australia: Green 10 B • Life Without Barriers: Green 4 A • Gay & Lesbian Immigration Task Force: • Lifeview Residential Care : Green 3 C/D Red 4 D • Lord Coconut: White 16 • Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia: • Low Rez - Melbourne’s Only Male Pop Green 10 A Choir: Blue 8 B • Geelong Rainbow Inc.: Green 11 D • Matrix Guild of Victoria: Green 14 B1 • Glamourhead Sharks Aquatic: Sports • Melbourne 69ers Tenpin Bowling: Sports Precinct Precinct • GLHV, Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Rainbow • Melbourne Chargers R.U.F.C: Sports Network: White 14 Precinct • GLOBE: Green 9 C/D • Melbourne City Mission: Green 14 C • GoWest: Green 6 C • Melbourne Community Church: Blue 15 B • Greek and Gay Support Network & • Melbourne Frontrunners: Sports Precinct AGMC: Green 6 A/B • Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus: Blue • Guide Dogs Victoria: Yellow 4 A 7 B • GV /OUTINTHEOPEN • Melbourne Gaymers: Green 5 B2 Festival: Green 11 C • Melbourne Inclusive Church: Red 11 A • Headspace: Green 4 B • Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers : Sports • Holden: Red 3 A/B Precinct • Instagram: Blue 3 C/D • Melbourne Queer Film Festival: Red 4 C • Integreatness Personal Change • Melbourne Rainbow Band: Blue 8 A Coaching: Red 4 A • Melbourne Rovers Soccer Club: Sports • Jetstar: Blue 1 C/D Precinct • JOY 94.9: Red 6 A/B • Melbourne Smashers & Melbourne Shuttlecats: Sports Precinct • Kara House: Red 11 B

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• Melbourne Spikers Volleyball Club : •• Rainbow Families : Green 13 C Sports Precinct •• Rainbow Fertility: Blue 14 A • Melbourne Surge Water Polo Club: • Rainbow Home Support : Green 5 B1 Sports Precinct • • Rainbow Labor: Blue 13 A • Melbourne Wranglers Wrestling Club • INC.: Sports Precinct •• Rainbow Rights and Advocacy: Green 7 C • Mercer: Red 7 C • Rainbow Store: Blue 6 B • Metropolitan Community Church • Melbourne: Blue 15 B •• Relationships Australia: Green 13 D • Midsumma Information & Ticketing: •• RMIT University: Yellow 4 C Sports Precinct •• Ross Watson Gallery: Green 11 A/B • Midsumma Information 2: Yellow 4 B •• Ruby Dance: Red 7 D • Mind Equality Centre: Blue 13 D •• safe steps Family Violence Response • Monash Health Gender Clinic: White 13 Centre: Blue 10 B

• Motafrenz Car Club: Sports Precinct •• Sea Shepherd: Blue 9 B • NAB: White 3 •• Seek: White 9 • Neami and Me Well: Green 9 A/B •• South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault: Green 15 B • Northern Metro Councils (Banyule, Darebin, Moreland and Yarra): White 12 •• Star Health - First for your Health and Wellbeing: White 11 • Nurses and Midwives Health: Blue 4 A • Star Observer: White 4 • Olivia: Blue 3 A • •• StartOut Australia: Red 5 C/D •• OzChild Foster Care : Red 5 A •• Swinburne University: Red 2 C/D •• PAN (PrEPAccessNOW): Green 5 A •• Swisse: White 7 •• PartnerSPEAK: Blue 12 B •• Switchboard: Yellow 5 A •• Permanent Care and Adoptive Families : White 17 •• Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: Green 14 A •• Pink Magpies: Sports Precinct •• Teachers Health Fund: Blue 4 B •• Points of Difference Travel & Events: Green 16 C

•• Prahran Market Clinic: Blue 16 D •• Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia and Cancer Council Victoria: Red 3 C/D

•• Psoriasis Australia Inc: Green 15 D •• PWC: White 8 •• Queer Greens Victoria: Blue 8 D

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•• Victorian Public Sector Pride Network: Blue 4 C/D

•• Victorian. And Proud of It: Blue 3 B •• White Warrior Health: Blue 9 C •• Team Melbourne: Sports Precinct •• Why Wait? Do It Now!: Blue 13 B •• Telstra: Red 2 A/B •• Women’s Circus : Red 4 B •• The House Collective: Blue 15 A •• XCAPADE ESCAPE ROOMS, Great Gay •• The Melbourne Clinic : Blue 10 A Escapes!: White 5

•• The Melbourne Period Project: Green 10 •• Yarra Tri Club Inc: Sports Precinct C/D •• The Orangutan Project: Blue 6 A 2. Midsumma Pride •• The Pinnacle Foundation: Red 6 D March 2018 •• The Scallywag Society: Blue 14 B Registered March Participants, in order •• Thermomix in Australia: Green 6 D Pre-March Procession •• Trans Central Station: Blue 11 A/B •• 1: Dykes on Bikes •• Trans Medical Research: Blue 12 A •• 2: Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers Inc •• Uniting Agewell: Blue 2 A/B Wave A: •• VAC *: Red 8/9 Queer Indigenous Pride and VIPs •• A 1: Queer Indigenous Pride •• VAC Services: Red 11 C/D •• A 2: City of Port Phillip •• Vau d’Vile Drag Cabaret Restaurant: Blue 9 D Wave B: Marriage Equality •• Vic Bears: White 15 •• B 1: Australian Marriage Equality / •• Vic Eq Oppt and Human Rights Equality Campaign Commission: Yellow 4 D •• B 2: Equal Love •• Vicdeaf: Green 5 D Wave C: •• Victoria Legal Aid - Discrimination Law Youth Groups Services: Yellow 5 C •• C 1: Minus18 •• Victoria Police: Blue 7 C/D •• C 2: YUMCHA A little Bit Of Everything •• Victoria Police Legacy: Blue 7 A •• C 3: Swinburne Senior Secondary College •• Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby •• C 4: Lord Somers Camp and Power and Bisexual Alliance Victoria: Blue 16 D House •• Victorian Leather: Green 14 B2 •• C 5: Dept of Ed & Training Safe Schools •• Victorian Mental Illness Awareness •• C 6: YSAS -Youth Support and Advocacy Council: Green 14 D Service •• Victorian Pride Centre: Blue 5 D

54 2017/ 18 Annual Report

Wave D: •• F 12: Rainbow Rights and Advocacy Youth Groups •• F 14: Guide Dogs Victoria •• D 1: Carey Baptist Grammar PRIDE GROUP •• F 15: Performing Older Women’s Circus

•• D 2: Royal Childrens’ Hospital Gender Wave G: Service HIV + AIDS Organisations; Queer Organisations; LGBTQIA+ Advocacy •• D 3: The Royal Children’s Hospital Groups •• D 4: Parents of Gender Diverse Children •• G 1: Riff Raff Radical Marching Band •• D 5: Rainbow Connections •• G 2: Victorian Aids Council •• D 6: Transcend •• G 3: Living Positive Victoria •• D 8: Diversity Groups •• G 4: Switchboard Victoria Wave E: •• G 5: Rainbow Families Victoria Youth Groups •• G 6: Geelong Rainbow •• E 1: headspace •• G 7: Ballarat Pride Hub Inc. •• E 2: Cardinia Shire Council •• G 8: Goulburn Valley Pride Inc •• E 3: Project Rockit •• G 9: OUTintheOPEN Festival Shepparton •• E 4: CanTeen •• G 10: LGBTIQ - SUPPORT & •• E 5: QEAST Alliance PROTECTION SERVICES

•• E 6: Scouts Victoria •• G 11a: Rainbow International Students •• E 7: Rainbow Families Inner South East Network •• E 8: Glitter - Hume City Council •• G 11b: LAHRC: Latin American and Hispanic Rainbow Community Wave F: Groups representing Diverse Genders and •• G 12: Greek and Gay Support Network Sexualities; Marchers with access needs •• G 13: Yellow Kitties •• F 1: Dolly Diamond + Rose Garden in •• G 15: Melbourne Queer Film Festival convertibles •• G 16: JOY 94.9 •• F 2: VicBears Wave H: •• F 3: Vic Leather Queer Organisations; LGBTQIA+ •• F 4: Melbourne Rubbermen Advocacy Groups •• F 5: FTM Shed •• H 1: The Melbourne Rainbow Band •• F 6: •• H 2: queerspace - drummond street services •• F 7: Vixen Collective •• H 3: No Pride in Detention ( + Queer •• F 8: Bisexual Alliance Victoria Choirs)

•• F 9: Victorian Pups and Handlers •• H 4: Order of Perpetual Indulgence Adelaide •• F 10: Eastern Health

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•• I 17: Progressive Judaism Victoria •• I 18: Netzer Melbourne •• I 19: Liberal Pride Branch Wave J: •• H 5: Rainbow Labor Victoria Queer-Led Religious Group; Queer Social •• H 6: Amnesty International VIC LGBTIQ and Sports; Queer-led groups Network •• J 1: Pride@NAB •• H 7: Gay and Lesbian Immigration Task •• J 2: Acceptance Melbourne LGBT Force Catholics

•• H 8: Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights •• J 3: Melbourne Metropolitan Community Lobby Church

•• H 9: KNOTbound •• J 4: Melbourne Inclusive Church •• H 10: Australian Lesbian and Gay •• J 5: Aquarians for Equality Archives •• J 7: Melbourne Gaymers •• H 11: Victorian Pride Centre •• J 8a: AFL Pride Collective (Saints Pride) Wave I: Queer Events and Venues; Individuals; •• J 8b: Richmond Football Club Jewish Groups •• J 8c: St Kilda Football Club •• I 1: Mama Alto & Her Glitterati •• J 10: Spaced Out •• I 2: AntigoneX •• J 12: Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus •• I 3: ChillOut Festival •• J 14: Yarra Tri Club •• I 5: Killjoy •• J 15: Queer Greens Victoria •• I 6: PLAY Fridays Wave K: •• I 7b: Gossip Sundays Team Melbourne •• I 8: Miss Gay and Miss Transsexual Aus •• K 1: Melbourne Frontrunners Intl. •• K 2: Glamourhead Sharks Aquatics Club •• I 9: Very Greer Impressive and Yarndi •• K 3: Melbourne Argonauts Rowing Club The... •• K 4: The NOMADS Outdoors Group Inc. •• I 10: Individuals •• K 5: 69’ers Ten Pin Bowling •• I 11: ALEPH •• K 6: Melbourne Spikers Inc. •• I 12: Jews of Pride •• K 8: Melbourne Dragons Martial Arts •• I 13: Temple Beth Israel •• K 9: Motafrenz Car Club •• I 14: Keshet Australia •• K 10: The Melbourne Chargers Rugby • I 15: Hashomer Hatzair • Club •• I 16: Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria •• K 11: Melbourne Wranglers Wrestling Club

56 2017/ 18 Annual Report

•• K 12: Melbourne Surge •• N 3: The Department of Agriculture & Water Resources •• K 13: Bent Kranks •• N 4: The Department of Justice and • K 14: Smashers and Shuttlecats • Regulation Badminton Club •• N 5: Vic Equal Op & Human Rights Wave L: Commission Organisations and groups showing Pride •• L 1: PwC •• N 6: Victorian Public Sector Pride Network •• L 2: AGL •• N 7: Victoria Legal Aid •• L 3: Corrs Chambers Westgarth •• N 8: Melbourne Water •• L 4: Telstra •• N 9: Metro Trains Melbourne •• L 5a: Dan Murphy’s •• N 10: Environment Protection Authority •• L 5b: Big W Wave O: •• L 5c: Woolworths Organisations and groups showing Pride •• L 5d: Woolworths Fuel and Metro •• O 1: Facebook Australia •• L 5e: BWS •• O 2: SEEK •• L 7: St Kilda Tourism & Events •• O 3: Swisse Wellness •• L 9: National Institute of Circus Arts •• O 4: GLAM Pride Victoria Wave M: •• O 5: Jetstar Airways Emergency Services •• O 6: Zendesk •• M 1: Emergency Management Victoria •• O 9: Levi’s •• M 2: Victoria State Emergency Service •• O 10: My Pet Warehouse •• M 3: Ambulance Victoria •• O 11: KIIS 101.1 •• M 4: Victoria Police •• O 12: Cricket Victoria •• M 5: Country Fire Authority - CFA Pride •• M 6: ESTA •• M 7: St John Ambulance Australia (Vic) Inc.

Wave N: Government Affiliated Organisations •• N 1: Australia Post •• N 2: Parks Victoria

57 Midsumma Festival

•• S 8: South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault

•• S 11: Mind Australia •• S 12: Australian Lesbian Medical Wave P: Association Local Councils and Council affiliated •• S 13: Clean and Sober groups •• P 1: GOWEST - Western Region Councils •• S 14: My Rainbow Story Project •• P 2: Banyule City Council •• S 15: Australian Association of Social Workers •• P 3: Moreland City Council •• S 16: (RhED – marching at S 6) •• P 4: City of Yarra •• S 17: Neami National and Me Well •• P 6a: City of Whittlesea •• S 18: Life Without Barriers •• P 6b: Glen Eira City Council Wave T: •• P 7: LGPro and VLGA Organisations and groups showing Pride Wave Q: •• T 1: Rimbombé - Momo’s Groove Organisations and groups showing Pride •• T 2: Insurance Australia Group •• Q 1: City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band •• T 5: GoGet

•• Q 2: Craig Evans Funerals •• T 7: Mercer •• Q 7: The •• T 8: Accor Hotels Wave R: •• T 10: Monash University Organisations and groups showing Pride T 11: Rotary LGBTI Fellowship Group •• R 1: Holden Wave U: •• R 2: Council Midsumma Festival •• U 1: Midsumma staff, volunteers and •• R 3: Australian Education Union artists •• R 5: Deakin University •• U 2: 2017/18 Midsumma Futures •• R 6: ANZ Australia •• R 7: Reason Australia •• R 8: Monash Queer Department Wave S: Health and well-being •• S 1: Peninsula Health •• S 3: Wellways Australia •• S 4: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute •• S 5: St Kilda Crisis Services Network Image: Midsumma Pride March 2018. •• S 6: Star Health + RhED Photo Suzanne Balding

58 midsumma.org.au