ANNUAL REPORT 2018/ 19

midsumma.org.au Midsumma Festival 2018/ 19 Annual Report

Image: The Odditorium Image by Suzanne Balding CONTENTS featuring Miss Amy

Cover image: by Alexis Desaulniers-Lea and artwork by Matto Lucas featuring Wade Tuck. What is Midsumma Festival? 4

Chair’s Report 7

2019 Midsumma Festival Highlights 8

2019 Economic Overview 10

2019 Program Overview and Highlights 12 - Summary of Festival Attendance 16 - Signature Events 17 - Midsumma Presents Program 22 - Open Access Program 27 - Events Outside of Festival Season 29

Focus Areas in 2019 31

2019 Access Initiatives and Activities 36

2019 Artistic Outcomes 40

Who Are Our Audiences? 42

Our Reach 44

Treasurer's Report 46

2019 Financial Report 47

Our People 56

Our Partners 58

Appendix 59

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Midsumma Festival also holds two annual WHAT IS signature events – Midsumma Carnival MIDSUMMA and Midsumma Pride March. Midsumma Carnival opens the Festival with a one FESTIVAL? day celebration at Alexandra Gardens in ’s CBD and Midsumma Pride Midsumma Festival March is held on the third weekend of the is ’s premier Festival each year flowing through Fitzroy St in St Kilda to the foreshore of Catani WHAT LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural Gardens. DO WE DO? festival held annually in Although the primary festival is held each year in summer, Midsumma works year- •• We create inclusive safe cultural and Melbourne for and by round to provide queer artists, social- social spaces. communities who live changers and culture-makers with support, •• We lead conversations and we listen. platforms and tools to create, present and with shared experiences promote their work, connect with their •• We champion collaboration. around diverse gender communities and tell their stories. •• We provide platforms for shared ‘Melbourne’s experience in a world that often and sexuality. WHO underrepresents us. Midsumma Festival has grown at the Midsumma Festival showcases an average ARE WE? •• We increase visibility, and amplify voices 180 events across 80 venues, during the that might otherwise not be seen or same outsized pace 22-day festival each year through open- •• We are a cultural connector and heard. influencer. as the city it calls home.’ access events and a curated program – •• We imagine positive futures. We Midsumma Presents. Events include arts •• We are the intersection between people, challenge, inspire and take risks in Cameron Woodhead, The Age and cultural experiences such as theatre, ideas, stories and experiences. pursuit of these. music, comedy, dance, visual arts, digital arts and film – as well as forums, sporting, •• We are simultaneously a thought-leader •• We seek new perspectives and family and social events. and a learning organisation. paradigms; yet never forget the value of our past. •• We are active and constantly evolving. Image: Midsumma Extravaganza 2019 by Midsumma Progression and development lies at our •• We offer time, place and space for our Festival and Arts Centre Melbourne. Image by Suzanne core. communities and allies to engage. Balding featuring (left to right) Sheldon Riley, Steven Oliver, Geraldine Hickey, , Carlotta, Joel •• We are committed to a culture of shared Creasey, Libby O’Donovan, Beccy Cole, Mama Alto, Zoe responsibility. Coombs Marr and Trevor Ashley.

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CHAIR’S REPORT ‘Whether community Reviewing the 2019 festival has been a members or allies, complete joy. Having assumed the role of Chair four years ago, I am humbled each to think that we are year at the achievements of Midsumma reaching new people Festival and 2019 did not disappoint. with compelling stories Whilst we saw once again growth across the Festival including audience numbers, makes me so proud.’ breadth of community engagement, and record attendance at Midsumma Carnival, On top of Midsumma Pathways, our year- just to name a few, there are some round mentoring program for community numbers that make my heart sing even members living with disabilities and more; such as, 33% of people attending Midsumma Futures, which focuses on Midsumma Festival for the first time. mentoring up and coming artists, this year Whether community members or allies, to we also launched BODY which is one of the think that we are reaching new people with most impactful projects we have embarked compelling stories makes me so proud. upon in my time with Midsumma. I am also thrilled to see that Midsumma BODY is a trans/gender diverse project Festival remains highly accessible for (a mini festival within a festival) in everyone, with 44% of events free to partnership with Arts house. This is a attend. On top of this our focus on landmark project of national significance. accessibility for community members BODY included works by 27 trans and living with disability has been tremendous, gender diverse artists and 3 intersex our program guide was provided in artists, locally and internationally including multiple formats to maximize accessibility new works commissioned by Midsumma and we saw a 33% increase in Auslan especially for this program. interpretation. We also partnered with Arts Access , Description Victoria, As this is my last year as chair I can’t help Auslan Stage Left and Guide Dogs Victoria but reflect on how far Midsumma has come to deliver multi-layered access. over the last four years and be proud, but to reflect even further to the last 30 years While our core activities are going from and those who have come before me and strength to strength, I am really proud thank them all for laying the foundations to of some of our year-round activities allow our current team to build upon. that have seen us deliver even more to our communities and ensure a more My gratitude to the board and the sustainable LGBTQIA+ arts culture community for allowing me to be the in Victoria. custodian of this incredibly special festival for the last four years cannot be put into words. It’s been the most special time of my life and I can’t wait to support the organisation into the future, albeit from the sidelines.

John Caldwell Chair, Midsumma Festival Inc.

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2019 MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS Our 2019 Program 11% Of events sold-out or met full Our Audiences 179 capacity Events Representing an increase $22 284,583 of 43% in the last 2 years Average ticket price Attended Midsumma Festival 2019, an overall attendance increase of 54% in two years, and an increase of over 65% attendance for our arts and culture program 33% 44% 11% Increase of Auslan Free events over Of artists culturally interpreted or last 3 years and linguistically audio described diverse events 118,000 7,430 Our Online Communities Attended Midsumma Marchers at Midsumma Carnival; highest Pride March; largest number attendance recorded of marchers on record, 23% 75% 26.5% increase over 3 years Increase in social media Increase in website visitors engagement 67% 57% Our Communities’ Commitment Returning audiences; Of audiences who identify 33% new audiences as ‘families’ attended with 211 2,420 children under 11 years old Volunteer hours over Volunteers 23 days of the Festival – Midsumma Carnival 2019 by Creative Edge Photography a 26% increase in 2 years 8 9 Midsumma Festival 2018/ 19 Annual Report

2019 ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

Increased visitation and associated economic impact for Victoria

84% of 8% of 52% C attendees attendees C increase in festival earned 80% were from metropolitan were from regional Victoria increase in total income over event income (bars, ticketing, Melbourne past 3 years with 7.7% in last registrations, stalls) in 3 years, year with 12.5% increase in last year 4% of 3% of audiences audiences travelled from outside Victoria were overseas visitors

$14 Million $32 Million 54% C direct economic impact to broader gross economic C increase in philanthropic Victoria, according to an impact for the festival to the 75% independent analysis (up state’s economy across multiple increase in corporate donations in 3 years, with sponsorship in 3 years, with 10.5% increase in last year from $8.02 Million previous employment sectors (up from 5.8% increase in last year year) $18.6 Million previous year)

118 FTEs equivalent created across tourism, transport, retail, food and beverage sectors. Image: Midsumma Carnival 2018. Photo by Tanya McCulloch

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

Karen Bryant, CEO, Midsumma Festival

2019 PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND HIGHLIGHTS Midsumma works hard to make the many diverse queer communities in Victoria more visible, more effectively interconnected, 2017. Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma and to provide a platform for cultural Pride March both recorded voices and stories that are often not heard highest attendances in 2019. Over the past otherwise in the broader community. ever 2 years total attendances overall for The 2019 Festival program was successful Midsumma Festival have increased by •• Significant growth in scale of event. •• Attendance surveys show that Midsumma in highlighting the objectives from our with attendances to the arts and In the past two years the size of Festival attracts broad attendances current 3-year strategic plan. These were 54% cultural program growing by over the Festival (number of events) has across age ranges and demographics, particularly evident in the following key 65.4% the same period. grown by 43.2%. Our signature events truly representing inclusion and diversion performance areas: Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma Pride in all its forms. •• Attracting new audiences whilst March also both grew in both audience •• Significant growth in attendances (and – The Midsumma maintaining ongoing audience loyalty. size and participation numbers. For •• Highly accessible therefore reach), the second year in a Festival remains highly accessible. Our figures across multiple years show Carnival: community stall numbers, and row that noteworthy audience increases For 2019 of events were free with that we sustained new audiences for Midsumma Pride March: numbers 36.3% have been recorded. The 2019 Midsumma an average ticket price for ticketed events from 2018 (for the 2018 festival 42% of people marching were both the Festival attracted 284,583 people. This of $22. Over the past three festivals of attendees were new to Midsumma) highest ever recorded by Midsumma. 184 was a 7.2% increase over 2018 festival Midsumma have averaged 44% of events and further built upon them with community stalls at Midsumma Carnival figures after a huge rise that year from being free to participate in or attend. 33% of 2019 attendees attending their (up from 168 the previous year and 142 first Midsumma Festival. the year before - 29.6% increase in 2 Image: Midsumma Carnival 2019 Main Stage years.) In 2019 179 separate events took by Suzanne Balding featuring DJ Dom De Sous place in over 70 venues across 23 days.

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•• Increased female attendance was a goal •• Increased participation by seniors (over in the current 3-year planning period. 64 years of age). 4% of attendees in 2019 Midsumma has seen an increase in up from 2% in 2018. female attendances of 10% in the past • Continued high presence/participation two years since seeking to address this in • in the festival program from People of both programming and marketing. (2019 Colour, Indigenous, youth, and diverse - 45% male, 44% female) families. •• 8% of audiences identify as Aboriginal •• Increased social media reach as well or Torres Strait Islander. Partnerships as increased website traffic and PR with Vic NAIDOC Committee reach (see further details within report). and Yirramboi Festival, and employment Facebook - in post reach of an Indigenous Engagement 60% increase and in engagement Coordinator have increased visibility for 75% increase compared to 2018. Twitter - and cultural events by LGBTQIA+ First 56% in post reach increase in Nations peoples in the festival. increase , 2% mentions, 213% increase in followers •• Increased international engagement. compared to 2018. We also recorded a It is vital that LGBTQIA+ artists present 26.5% increase in website traffic during their work within a national and Midsumma Festival 2019 compared to international context. Midsumma Festival the same period for Midsumma Festival has built its capacity to collaborate 2018. On the day of Midsumma Carnival internationally and this year’s festival (20 Jan 2019) alone we recorded 12,178 included increased international visits to the Midsumma website. presentations directly facilitated • Maximisation of earned income through by Midsumma: Italy’s Motus, South • ticketing, bars and hire of stalls and Africa’s Nakhane & New Zealand’s Kelly food trader sites resulted in an increase O’Shea as well as international annual in festival event earned income of online exhibition QueerTech.io. Increased 23% from 2018. All earned income is used international presentations featuring directly to support community and in our open-access program included access initiatives. works from UK, Ireland, USA; presented •• Continued increased in breadth of at venues including Arts Centre •• Significant increased economic impact venues participating. New Hub venues Melbourne, Theatre Works, Substation, for the state through both visitation for 2019 included Theatre Works and and BalletLab. of attendees from outside the state Howler, and Melbourne Museum joined and local attendee event spend. 74.6% the growing list of major cultural •• Disability access and engagement increase in direct economic impact and institutions partnering with Midsumma the festival especially for this project. initiatives within Midsumma Festival saw 72% increase in gross economic impact for the first time. The sold-out Gender Euphoria a 33% increase in Auslan interpretation to the state’s economy. showcased the first professional all (having achieved a 54% increase the •• For the first time ever Midsumma gender diverse cast on a main stage in year before). Our program guide was •• External recognition for the increased produced a trans/gender diverse Australia, and touring production MDLSX provided in multiple formats to maximise artistic quality and artistic breadth of signature project BODY (a mini festival (Italian company Modus): was the first accessibility. Midsumma partnered programming in 2019. within a festival) in partnership with professional international intersex with Arts Access Victoria, Slow Art Arts House, with satellite projects at production toured to Victoria. Collective, Description Victoria, Auslan Arts Centre Melbourne and Incinerator Stage Left and Guide Dogs Victoria to Gallery. This landmark project of national •• 11% of 2019 audiences identify deliver multiple multi layered access significance included works by 27 trans as trans/gender diverse or an intersex and engagement initiatives. See specific and gender diverse artists and 3 intersex representation. access section of this report for further artists locally and internationally details. including new works commissioned by

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According to primary data collected (independent external analysis) on MIDSUMMA SIGNATURE EVENTS: visitor spending and financial reports FESTIVAL 2019 MIDSUMMA on organisational spending, the direct The 2019 Midsumma Festival opened on economic impact of the festival was CARNIVAL Saturday 19 January and ran for 23 days, $14 million (up from $8.02 Million in 2018). The highlight of our opening weekend each SUMMARY OF After application of relevant gross value finishing 10 February. year is Midsumma Carnival, the first of our add multipliers (using recognised ABS ATTENDANCES 2019 For this year, Midsumma continued to large-scale signature events, this year held multipliers), the broader impact of the improve the depth, quality and variety on Sunday 20 January 2019. FESTIVAL festival events on local economies has of the Midsumma programming, a Total attendances – 284,089 people been estimated by Culture Counts at response to the broad range of our Midsumma Carnival is an iconic outdoor (increasing from 264,895 in 2018, $32 million (up from $18.6 Million in 2018). communities and audience demographics. celebration that has become one of the a 7.2% increase). This generated an estimated A clear curatorial vision underpins all of biggest highlights in the LGBTQIA+ annual 118 FTE’s in terms of employment across Midsumma’s programming, with a focus calendar. The event provides a fitting This was made up of 27,427 paid the entertainment, retail, tourism and upon defined strategic priorities and a opening to the Festival each year. In itself attendances to ticketed events and 256,663 food and beverage sectors. goal to strengthen the creative voices of Carnival is a huge single day event running attendances to free events. Midsumma LGBTQIA+ communities whilst establishing from 11am until 10pm in Alexandra Gardens Audience demographics: (figures below Presents, the events we produce or co a leadership position as Australia’s in Melbourne’s CBD, with a massive set not including youth or children attending produce ourselves (made up of both LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival. up and overall coordination required for with adults, see additional info on these ticketed and free events) made up 197,868 delivery each year. of total attendances for the festival figures below) It is vital that LGBTQIA+ arts and culture events are presented within a national Midsumma Carnival attracts a broad (compared with 139,249 in 2018). •• 17% of adult audiences were under the and international context. Over the past attendance across age ranges and age of 24. Rather than simply being a ‘niche’ festival two years Midsumma Festival has built demographics, truly representing a day of we are now clearly one of the largest •• 39% of attendees were from the 25 to 34 its capacity to collaborate internationally inclusion and diversity in all its forms. festivals in Victoria in terms of attendances. year old age group. and this year’s festival included increased This popular annual event is free to international presentations directly Midsumma is successfully (and consistently) •• 19% were 35 to 44 year olds. the public and whilst exact attendance facilitated by Midsumma within our attracting new audiences as well as numbers are impossible to count, stall Midsumma Presents program. Our success maintaining the loyalty of long-term •• 14% 45 to 54 year olds. holders and previous regular attendees in this area could also be seen with attendees. 33% of the 2019 Festivals repeatedly commented that they felt the •• 7% aged between 55 years and 64 years. increased international presentations audiences were attending their first ever event attracted far greater numbers than within the open access program for 2019. Midsumma Festival. •• 4% of audiences over 55 years of age. ever before, evidenced by people traffic across all key sites around the event Visitation from outside Melbourne is a key •• Of those above 2% of attendees 179 separate events took place across (formally recorded hourly by external target growth area for Midsumma in future were attending the festival with young more than 70 venues. The scale of the security staff) when compared with years. Whilst 84% of attendees were from people/children: Midsumma Festival has increased 43.2% in previous experiences. metropolitan Melbourne, 7% of audiences program size over the past two years. •• 46% of these were attending survey travelled to Melbourne from outside with teenagers over 12 but under Overall 11% of ticketed events sold out or For this year the Midsumma Carnival the State specifically for the Midsumma 18 years of age. reached maximum capacity. site footprint was extended to enable Festival. Attendances from overseas were the introduction of additional areas 3% of audiences surveyed. A further 8% of •• 38% were attending with children and expansions of others, specifically audiences surveyed travelled to Melbourne between the ages of 5 years and to increase the engagement for a from regional Victoria for Midsumma 2019. 11 years of age. On average, regional Victorian respondents stayed two nights, interstate respondents •• 19% were attending with children stayed four nights, and overseas under 4 years of age. respondents stayed 15 nights.

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Midsumma Carnival continued to focus participant of Midsumma mentoring •• DJ Magnus on safety and well being, with safety program, Midsumma Futures), Victoria •• The Marion Cranes messaging throughout the site (from sun- Falconer (London-based cabaret smart through to sexual consent education) sensation), Dolly Diamond (a Midsumma •• DJ Dom De Sousa and a new partnership with DanceWize, audience favourite) and excerpts from • DJ Ruby Slippers broader range of our communities and who provided peer education and care Gender Euphoria (a Midsumma Festival • demographics. All of these areas were full for festival goers as part of our ongoing and Arts Centre Melbourne co-presentation •• The Huxleys throughout the day (and night). commitment to cultivating a safe festival showcasing leading trans and gender environment for our audiences and diverse artists). •• DJ SVETA The Family Precinct returned for its second communities. year (a new initiative in 2018) as part of our Hosted throughout the day by Lou Wall •• Maribelle Officially attendances at Midsumma (rising comedy-drag superstar) and Art deepening exploration of programming •• DJ Airhorn Mami for diverse families. 2019 saw Midsumma Carnival have been estimated at a Simone (one of Australia’s premier drag Festival collaborate with Rainbow Families record-breaking 118,000 attendees. performers) - both new to Midsumma •• DJ Jalé Victoria and expand on the footprint and Festival - Midsumma Carnival also saw the 184 community stalls (up from 168 the •• DJ Nature Girl programming offering of Families Precinct. return of community groups Melbourne previous year and 142 the year before) This precinct included a Kids Salon for Rainbow Band and Melbourne Gay and • Huntly participated, and multiple stages were • costume-making, make-up, and arts & crafts Lesbian Chorus. programmed throughout the day and • Nefertiti La Negra (current Midsumma by artist Discophoria; a Reading Corner by • evening. The day-time programming for The Picnic Stage was the heart of Futures mentorship program participant) Hares and Hyenas; performances Northern Carnival was focused around performers participation by the Midsumma community, Rainbow Music, Kirsty Letts, Discophoria registered within the Midsumma Program, with the return of the festival-favourite •• Tanya George and Jo Hirst; and talks events on topics to provide maximum promotional Dog Show with new host Tristan Meecham including ‘Being Rainbow Family Ready’, The Sports Precinct was once again opportunities for these artists/events; (All the Queens Men) along with judges ‘Being A Trans, Gender Diverse & Nonbinary presented by partner community supplemented with guest artists and key Ro Allen (Victoria’s First Gender and Parent’ and ‘Donors, Adoption & Surrogacy’. organisation Team Melbourne with special fun community events specifically devised Sexuality Commissioner), Councillor guests from Midsumma Partner, Richmond We further expanded our under 18 Youth for the day. Beverley Pinder (City of Melbourne), Bray Football Club and a full day of Precinct in 2019, run in partnership with Otley (Ziwipeak – Dog food supplier/ Official proceedings on the Main Stage programming which included a wrestling Minus18, making improvements to the sponsor) and Charlie Spendlove (Guide mid-afternoon included a Welcome presentation by the Melbourne Wranglers program offering and to the safety of Dogs Victoria). Dean Arcuri returned to the to Country presented by Alex Kerr Wrestling Club and flipper and buoy relay young people. Based on the success and Picnic Stage to host the ultimate lip sync (Wurundjeri) and Uncle Jack Charles races by the Glamourhead Sharks high-demand from the 2018 festival, we competition with Lip Sync Limelight and (Boon Wurrung) and accompanied by our Aquatics Club. partnered for a second year with Alice’s this year we introduced Queer Yoga and a queer Indigenous ambassadors, as well Garage to provide a space for LGBTI dance workshop with Marnie Newton. as speeches by The Right Honourable seniors (though people of all ages were Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp As the sun went down Midsumma Carnival welcome). (representing City of Melbourne), Minister turned into T Dance, an ostentatious fun As a sign of Midsumma’s ongoing Harriet Shing MLC, Parliamentary Secretary dance party. For a second year, T Dance commitment to access at Midsumma for Mental Health, representing State took place across both the Main Stage and Carnival: Government of Victoria, John Caldwell – the Picnic Stage (traditionally T Dance was Chair of Midsumma Festival, and Rachel limited to only the Main Stage). 2019 saw •• 70% of the program was interpreted Slade, Executive General Manager Deposits the most sophisticated programming yet by Auslan Stage Left. & Transaction Services and Executive of leading queer indie musicians with a •• Blind and low vision community Sponsor of Pride @NAB (NAB is Principal line-up including: members were assisted by Description Corporate Sponsor of Midsumma). Victoria. The daytime stage program included •• Access improvements across the site a comprehensive artistic line-up of were made in response to an access performances on the Main Stage including audit conducted by Guide Dogs Ms CeCe Rockefeller (previous Victoria in 2018.

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MIDSUMMA PRIDE MARCH The second of our signature events was Midsumma Pride March, conducted for the numbers for Midsumma Pride 24th year, on Sunday 3 February 2019. This March are considerably larger than other iconic event brings together members of annual march’s held in Victoria. the community from all across Melbourne. preceeded the marching This year Midsumma Festival actively contingent as per tradition with the march mitigated against the increasing heat of itself led by Boon Wurrung Elders and our summers by changing the start time a Rainbow Aboriginal Float along with of the event to 11am (previously held at the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, 2pm, the hottest time of the day). Minister for Equality and the Creative The 2018 Midsumma Pride March was Industries, Martin Foley and Commissioner marred by extreme heat of 41 degrees and for Gender and Sexuality, Ro Allen. whilst the 2019 event was a hot day 2019 Pride March Award (peak of 38 degrees), the effects of extreme Hundreds of young people, often amongst winners were: heat were avoided with all marchers having the most vulnerable within our communities, •• Most Fabulous: VIKA completed the march route before it were once again placed towards the front reached 34 degrees. of the march as a positive and strong •• Most Significant Message: Lifeview affirmation forLGBTQIA+ youth. Residential Care 7,430 marchers took to the streets down Magda Szubanski) – all hosted by the Fitzroy Street in St Kilda this year and it was For the second year Midsumma continued •• Most Innovative: Rainbow Aboriginal indomitable Yana Alana. Formalities estimated by St Kilda Police and Security the Midsumma Pride March Awards, Pride included a Welcome to Country representatives that 45,000 people lined intended to encourage colourful and •• Honourable mentions: Victoria’s bisexual by N’arweet Carolyn Briggs, the Minister the streets and balconies along the march innovative contributions from March community | Deaf-initely Pride | Minus18 | for Creative Industries and Equality Martin route to show their support – making this participants. This year’s judging panel - Asexuals Australia Foley and the Mayor of City of Port the best-attended Pride March in Victoria’s were Mama Alto (leading transgender Phillip Cr Dick Gross. history with total attendance of 53,430 performer); Ruby Mountford (Bi-Sexual At the conclusion of the march, attendees people present. In terms of scale, march advocate and community leader); were led into Catani Gardens for Media coverage for Pride March was once and Adolfo Aranjuez (writer, editor and celebrations and entertainment including again very strong with all free to air TV dancer, and previous participant of DJs and live performances from DJ Renee stations covering both the march itself Image: Midsumma Pride March 2018 Midsumma Futures). Delay, Hans, Chela and Bec Sandridge and a pre event media call, on their news by Kate Arnott (as well as a surprise appearance from broadcasts.

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MIDSUMMA Highlights included PRESENTS PROGRAM BODY A new major ‘signature’ project by Over the last three festivals, Midsumma Midsumma Festival amplifying the voices of Festival has worked hard to steadily trans, gender diverse and intersex peoples, increase our capacity to play a proactive BODY was a major new project featuring role in developing the queer cultural a suite of works by leading international footprint of Melbourne. For the 2019 and local artists. Produced in partnership festival this was clearly seen by the with Arts House, Arts Centre Melbourne increase of events directly produced by and Incinerator Gallery, BODY championed or co-presented by Midsumma. As the the notion that individuals should have festival continues its leadership position sovereignty over their own bodies. and generated programming for and with communities that were underrepresented This was a project of national significance previously in the open-access arm of the placing Midsumma at the very forefront program or that represents cutting edge of ground breaking trans and gender or leadership work within the arts or diverse arts events nationally. The project LGBTQIA+ cultures. included the first fully trans/gender diverse professional cast presented on a main We utilised partnerships with outstanding stage anywhere in Australia and the first cultural venues and community groups professionally toured international intersex to produce 44 separate events in 2019 performance. (increased from 30 Midsumma presented With the support of Australia Council for events in 2018 and 5 Midsumma presented the Arts and Besen Family Foundation, the events in 2017). heart of BODY took place at Arts House Partnerships for co-presented events across three days from 31 Jan to 2 Feb with •• Debris Facility – De/Afficiency (visual Incinerator Gallery (Moonee Valley) joined included Arts Centre Melbourne, The a suite of performances, visual art, music art installation by Melbourne’s leading forces with Midsumma Festival to Coopers Malthouse, Arts House, Melbourne events and talks by: trans artist) co-present Personal Touch, an exhibition Museum, The Melba Spiegeltent, Dance of trans and gender diverse artists •• Silvia Calderoni and Motus – MDLSX •• Lou Fourie - BodMod Salon (body House, Australia Post, No Vacancy Gallery, reflecting on trans experiences through (internationally renowned intersex artist casting workshop by emerging local Centre for Contemporary Photography, self-portraiture. with a work that has wowed audiences trans artist) Bus Projects, Incinerator Gallery, ACMI, across the world) Midsumma Extravaganza Abbotsford Convent, QueerTech.io, •• Simona Castricum – Panopticon (album Cocoa Butter Club, Gasworks Arts Park •• Raina Peterson and Govind Pillai – Third launch by Melbourne trans vocalist and After the sell-out success of the 2018 and YGender. Nature (an opulent dance work fusing electronic percussionist) Midsumma Comedy Extravaganza in trans politics and traditional Indian Arts Centre Melbourne’s Fairfax Theatre, The 2019 festival also saw an increase in dance) •• Habits and V (two leading indie music Midsumma Festival and Arts Centre the number of international presentations trans groups) Melbourne partnered again to present a by Midsumma Festival including Italian •• Krishna Istha – Beast (a comedic bigger and better version for the 2019 •• Lay the Mystic, Martinus Kraan in a company MOTUS, New Zealand artist exploration into the life of a trans person festival. Midsumma Extravaganza at powerful discussion on First Nations Kelly O’Shea, South African and London- in 2019, directed by Zoe Coomba Marr) Hamer Hall continued Midsumma’s work peoples’ experiences of gender diversity. based musician Nakhane, UK-based •• Bonnie Hart – HR (a durational to capture a mainstream audience while performance artist Krishna Istha and performance exploring intersex Arts Centre Melbourne worked with profiling outstanding queer talent. Curated Taiwanese filmmakerChou Tung-Yen. experience by leading intersex artist Midsumma Festival to co-present the sell- by Midsumma alumni comedian Thomas Online exhibition QueerTech.io also sees and activist) out success Gender Euphoria. Joined by a Jaspers and Trevor Ashley (Les Miserables, engagement with artists from across the cavalcade of transgender legends, cabaret Fat Swan, Diamonds Are For Trevor), and world including France, USA and Canada. •• Kelly O’Shea – POISE (visual art icons Mama Alto and Maude Davey led the installation by New Zealand intersex artist) first all-trans & gender diverse main stage production in Australia. Image: MDLSX by Motus featuring Silvia Calderoni as part of Midsumma Major Project 2019 BODY

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hosted by Rhys Nicholson (Gay Crashers, This is a nation-wide non-acquisitive Dancing Qweens MICF Barry Award Nominee), annual award featuring early-career and For the first time, Midsumma Festival the Midsumma Extravaganza featured: established artists working in any medium. partnered with Dance House, presenting Judges of the major art prize of $5000 (Bank SA Best Cabaret, Adelaide James Welsby’s Dancing Qweens - a new •• YUMMY include Francis Parker (MUMA), Madé •• Margherita Coppolino (inclusion Fringe) work exploring 50 years of queer dance consultant and photographer) Spencer-Castle (Centre for Contemporary history channelled into a highly interactive •• Geraldine Hickey (co-host of RRR Photography) and Gary Starr (Australia and surreal performance experience. This •• Sonja Hammer (Queer Geeks of Oz) "Breakfasters") Post’s Executive General Manager, Business event represented Midsumma Festival’s •• Anita Thomasson (Undercurrent Victoria) and Government; and PostPride Executive deepening of engagement with dance •• Steven Oliver (Black Comedy) Sponsor). Finalists also compete for the audiences and institutions. •• Dr Gregory Phillips •• Mama Alto (GLOBE Artist Of The Year) People’s Choice Prize of $1000, the Prize of $1000, and - a new Nocturnal featuring Nakhane •• Dion Kagan (author Positive Images) •• Joel Creasey (Take Me Out, Show Me award for 2019 - the Bundoora Homestead Another first-time partnership, Midsumma • Natalia Antolak-Saper (Monash The Movie) Art Centre Residency Award (includes an • Festival joined forces with Melbourne University, Faculty of Law) artist fee, residency opportunity and public •• Beccy Cole (one of Australia’s most Museum to present Nakhane as part of the outcome). successful singer songwriters) museum’s monthly Nocturnal program. •• Elise Nyhuis (intersex rights advocate) The 2019 Midsumma and Australia Post Nakhane is a South African musician and •• Sheldon Riley ("The Voice" Season 7 •• Amao Leota Lu (fa’afafine advocate) Art Prize took place at No Vacancy Gallery queer rights advocate and performed for grand finalist) opening with a VIP function and awards Midsumma Festival straight from •• Sophie Ross (Vixen Collective and Safe •• Libby O’Donovan (renowned for ceremony on the evening of 22 January Festival. Midsumma Festival were able to Theatres Australia) connect local Queer-and-Trans-People-Of- her nuanced interpretations and and then running through until 3 Feb. An Playtime Staged Readings extraordinary voice) artist talk was held at the exhibition on 29 Colour performance collective, The Cocoa With the aim of identifying, nurturing and January to enable patrons to gain deeper Butter Club, with Melbourne Museum •• Zoe Coombs Marr (MICF Barry Award profiling queer playwrights, Midsumma understanding about the motivations and who opened this unique event – indicative Winner) Festival partnered with Gasworks Arts Park implications behind the artists' works. of Midsumma Festival’s ability to afford opportunities to local queer artists with for a fourth year to present our annual •• Carlotta (renowned for her trans visibility The 2019 Midsumma and Australia Post Art major institutions. competition Playtime Staged Readings. on Australian TV in 70s, 80s and 90s and Prize Winners were: Three playwrights (Angus Cameron, Rachel much-loved day-time show host) Consent Festival Edmonds and Glenn Saunders) presented •• Major Award Winner ($5000): Midsumma and Australia Post Art Prize As a thought-leader, Midsumma Festival staged readings of new scripts, with the Dexter Rosengrave collaborated with the Melba Spiegeltent Since its inauguration in 2016 winner (Angus Cameron for Cavemen) and Mean Projects to present Consent awarded a development and presenter the Midsumma and Australia Post Art •• Star Observer Award ($1000): Kate Just Festival – a one-day talks-and-workshops opportunity with the support of Gasworks Prize has quickly established itself as •• Bundoora Homestead Art Award symposium on the topic of consent and the nation's leading queer art award and and Midsumma Festival. (includes an artist fee, residency queer communities. exhibition. opportunity and public outcome): The 2018 Playtime Staged Readings winner, • Quinn Eades (author Rallying, All the With finalists selected from across the Sean Miles (Ngati Raukawa) • playwright Adam Fawcett and Lab Kelpie, Beginnings: A Queer Autobiography of country, the Midsumma Australia Post went on to present their astounding new •• People’s Choice Award ($1000): the Body, and 2018 Mary Gilmore Award Art Prize is a survey of outstanding queer work Become the One at Gasworks as part Paul Yore winner) artists reflecting their potent personal and of this year’s festival. political perspectives on the world. Finalists of the 2019 Midsumma and •• Nevo Zisin (author Finding Nevo) Queer Economies Australia Post Art Prize were: This year, with an increased prize pool •• Ayman Barbaresco (LGBTQIA+ disability Presented by Midsumma Festival in ($10,000), the submissions were of an Alisha Abate | Alun Rhys Jones | Danielle advocate) association with Abbotsford Convent, impressive professional standard, the best Reynolds | Dexter Rosengrave | Ella Bus Projects and Centre for Contemporary yet for this important visual arts event. The Sowinska | Georgia Robenstone | Kate Just •• Adolfo Aranjuez (editor Archer Photography with leading local curators finalist exhibition for 2019 was of a quality | Kate Power | Nicholas Smith | Olivia Koh | Magazine) Abbra Kotlarczyk and Madé Spencer- Paul Yore | Rosie Isaac | Sean Miles Castle, Queer Economies was a multi- that would have been at home in any visual •• Bobuq Sayed (founder QTPOC collective arts gallery within Melbourne. Colour Tounges) exhibition inspired by the gift-giving practice of artist David McDiarmid.

24 25 Midsumma Festival 2018/ 19 Annual Report

This project featured: friends before shows or to continue their experience after shows well into the evening • a curated exhibition of newly • as well as to specifically attend programmed commissioned artworks by Australian performances and talks/forums. The LGBTQIA+ artists presented at Bus concept of the bar / meeting place proved Projects; very popular and attendances were •• a series of contemporary video works considerably higher than the previous year. screened after dark as part of the Centre All events in this venue were free to for Contemporary Photography’s Night attend. Events programmed in the Bar Projection Window; included: •• a call-out for artwork gifts from the •• Dolly Diamond’s Piano Bar (each Monday Midsumma community to be presented night of the Festival), at Abbotsford Convent and then gifted to a loved-one on the final day of the •• Jazz night with Mama Alto festival. •• Queer zine-making workshop QueerTech.io •• DJ FRANFINE (SA) For 2019, Midsumma once again took a leap into the digital queer realm, co-presenting •• Queer clothes swap in partnership with with QueerTech.io in association with ACMI. YGender This collaboration saw an extraordinary •• Youth musicians Nia Dove-Adotey and online gathering of artists at the frontier of MIDSUMMA FESTIVAL Finn creative practice from across the globe that OPEN-ACCESS saw almost 3,000 visitors engage online. •• Rainbow Mob Storytelling Hour on the topic “Being Aboriginal and Queer” PROGRAM As a new initiative, Midsumma, ACMI and Overall Open Access Program integrated rock event The Legend of QueerTech.io presented a youth workshop •• Music event curated by Sad Grrrls Club Queen Kong Episode II: Queen Kong in with 14 young people (aged 14 to 21). Over featuring Rachel Maria Cox, Lalic and Heading up the Open Access Program Outer Space, and Las Vegas hit sensation two days, these participants experienced a Geryon are our Midsumma Venue Hubs. Two new The Miss Behave Gameshow. free creative workshop making interactive Venue Hubs joined our suite of venue •• MidsummaHAHA – a local comedy internet artworks. For one of our most hubs for 2019. Midsumma Hubs support Midsumma at Gasworks night featuring The Marion Cranes, The artists by committing to presenting work marginalised demographics, this workshop Gasworks presented an extensive program Travelling Sisters, Gabe Hogan, Neil almost every night of the 23-day festival presented a major intervention into the lives including 2018 Playtime Staged Readings Triffet, The Illegitimate Love Children of period. A diverse range of works are of the participants, with some participants winner Become The One, music seasons Bob Downe and Magda Szubanski, Levi showcased, representing a variety of vital having not had a social interaction in over Gays of Our Lives and Michael & The Mascs: Weston and Scout Boxall conversations taking place amongst local three months. My Vanity Project, early career artist Anna and interstate LGBTQIA+ communities •• Drag make-up tutorial for young people Thompsons’ Madame Nightshade’s Poison Midsumma Festival Bar by extraordinary artists and culture- with Ruby Slippers Garden (with direction and mentoring at The Coopers Malthouse makers and showcased to audiences as a by Sarah Ward, Maude Davey and Rinske After its inaugural success in 2017 •• Music event with Xanadu Holliday, The great way to start navigating the overall Ginsberg), exhibitions My Milonga, The Midsumma once again had its own official Anxious Type and Erin Will Be Mad program. Dance of the Heart and Unbroken, social Festival club throughout the Festival •• Screening of Looking For – a event Queer Quizmania, nationally period. Previously in a café-bar space at Midsumma at Arts Centre Melbourne documentary film by Taiwanese Fringe-touring work The Odditorium, Arts Centre Melbourne, the Midsumma For the third year running Arts Centre filmmaker Chou Tung-Yen new work What Ever Happened to Jeremy Festival Bar grew in size and scope through Melbourne programmed within their Baxter, and in partnership with Midsumma a new partnership with The Coopers •• Queer Poetry Slam hosted by Charlotte venues with a greater diversity than Playtime Staged Play Readings (theatre/ Malthouse. Raymond previous years. Events included Gender Euphoria (SOLD OUT), Merciless Gods writing). This venue provided a great place for •• Music night focused on femme identity by Little Ones Theatre, Midsumma Festival patrons and artists to meet featuring Ms CeCe Rockefeller, PO PO Extravaganza, Yana Alana’s Auslan- Image: Midsumma and Australia Post Art Prize Exhibition MO CO and Juniper Wilde by Eugene Howard

26 27 Midsumma Festival 2018/ 19 Annual Report

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 and markets – with the Midsumma at Hare Hole breadth and quality of the works improving significantly due to the investment A long-time supporter of Midsumma and Midsumma has made in building of new and intimate works, Hares & Hyenas relationships (and providing capacity again presented a huge body of events building developmental support) with across the 23 days of Midsumma. This producers, venues and artists. included Doubling Down: A Discussion on Disability and LGBTIQ (talks/forum), New venues joined Midsumma for the first Elton John: The Genesis of Glam (cabaret), time and it was particularly important Gay Life Drawing Melbourne (social), (and a strong indication of the shift in Gay Stuff Markets (social), I’ll Have What Midsumma’s positioning) to see venues He’s Having (theatre), Jen Der Unpacks such as Bundoora Homestead Arts Centre, (comedy), Lisa Skye (spoken word), Once Bus Projects, Centre for Contemporary Upon a Drag Storytime (kids), Party Snake Photography, Howler, Dance House, Heide (performance), Preludes and Nocturnes Museum of Modern Art, Mailbox Art Space (music), Rapid Fire (spoken word), TAINT and The Coopers Malthouse. (cabaret) and Woah, Alyssa! 2 (comedy). Midsumma Westside BUT THAT’S NOT ALL Midsumma at Howler (Mini-Hub) A partnership between Midsumma Festival WE’VE DONE Joining Midsumma as a hub venue for the and a coalition of western region councils first time with a critical mass of events (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, PRIDE MARCH BAKE-OFF for a week of the festival, led by Highwire Moonee Valley, Wyndham City Councils), of celebration with television icon Gretel Entertainment (the producers behind Midsumma Westside is a revivified program 2018 Killeen as emcee and entertainment from Adelaide Fringe’s Gluttony). based of a ten-year-old program, GOWEST. A fundraiser for the annual Midsumma Casey Donovan, Sheldon Riley, Kate Nelson Midsumma Westside actively supports Midsumma at Theatre Works Pride March organised by Dean Accuri and Hannah Trott, and The Huxleys. At and encourages event producers and local the Chair’s VIP function prior to the main Another new Midsumma venue hub for and other valued community members council venues in the western region to event, attendees were entertained by 2019, Theatre Works in St Kilda joined was held on Sunday 5 November 2017 at participate in Midsumma Festival. the illustrious Kimba Griffith. The event the festival as a hub. Performances DTs Pub in Richmond with community achieved full capacity and attendees were included two works from the UK, 19 events were part of this program that member cakes competing for the crown indulged with a delicious three-course Cake Daddy (cabaret) and The Butch received boosted marketing support, in six categories. All funds raised go meal and beverage package as part of their Monologues (theatre), two new local works participation in a launch event and towards Midsumma Pride March. Judging ticket purchase. Give a F*ck Cabaret (cabaret) and Truly additional advice and support from the categories included: Most Fabulously Madly Britney (theatre) and playwriting local council partner. Delicious Cake; Most Marvellously Stunning workshop Queer Quickies. Cake; Best Cake; Queerest MENTORING INITIATIVES Concoction; Perfect Pastry; and People’s Midsumma Futures Choice - Best Looking Cake. After a highly successful first year MIDWINTA GALA 2018 Midsumma Futures is now in its second year; a nine-month mentoring Midsumma Festival’s fifth annual developmental program designed for fundraising black-tie event Midwinta Gala, LGBTQIA+ early-career artists and future was held on Saturday 4 August 2018 in community leaders. This program aims to the splendid surrounds of the Melbourne advance participants’ vocation, deepen Town Hall. With an underlying theme of their practice, increase networks and Image: Madam Nightshade’s Poison Garden by “Ignite” it proved to be an exciting night profile, and lead the future of queer culture. Suzanne Balding

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NADIA BAILEY mentored by Hannah Kent (Aus) ROMY SEVEN FOX mentored by Lawrence English (Aus) Midsumma Futures brings together SAMUEL RUSSO a diverse range of artists from across mentored by Declan Greene (Aus) disciplines as well as producers, socially engaged practitioners, community leaders, TOM BACKHAUS creative thinkers and culture-makers. mentored by Tim Smith-Stewart (USA) Once connections are made between HANNAH SAMUEL early-career and established practitioners, participants attend a series of group Midsumma Pathways workshops in professional skill and career Midsumma Pathways is the inaugural development as well as their one-on one capacity building and skill development sessions with a mentor. All participants project working with seven creative receive VIP passes to attend the following LGBTQIA+ members of the community Midsumma Festival, with increased support who also identify as living with disability. for those who register an event as part of Midsumma Pathways is a companion the festival. project to our Midsumma Futures program FOCUS AREAS IN 2019 Twelve participants took part in the and aims not only to develop practical arts inaugural 2017/2018 and eleven participants industry skills but also to build capacity Midsumma attracts broad attendances are currently taking part in the second for participants in a broader context across age ranges and demographics; iteration of the program; representing through introducing and interacting with representing inclusion and diversity in all young artists and culture makers in areas LGBTQIA+ creative communities, venues its forms. For this reason we are ideally March each year, alongside a dedicated including: music, programming, cabaret, and networks. The project builds a strong placed to make the many diverse queer Youth Precinct at our largest event theatre performance and direction, set foundation of skills and networks that can communities in Victoria more visible. Midsumma Carnival. As part of Midsumma’s be further leveraged by participants in their core values, this sends a clear message design, contemporary performance, visual Midsumma is a festival that intrinsically future development. to other young people that they have a arts, film making, literature, sound design creates safe and inclusive places for safe space for creativity, connection and and playwrighting. Midsumma Pathways Participants and communities, with diversity at its very core. artistic collaboration. Midsumma Futures Participants and their Mentors 2018/2019 We know that when our communities feel their Mentors 2018/19 ABBIE MADDEN safe and supported, they are able to build In partnership with QueerTech.io and ACMI, stronger connections within their own Midsumma presented a hands-on two-day DAISY CATERALL mentored by Robbie Curtis groups and then with other groups they workshop for queer young people to learn mentored by Ripley Kavara (Aus) CHRISTOPHER BRYANT interact with. skills in digital art making providing an GENE SMITH mentored by Amelia Roper essential opportunity for connection with Success in this area was particularly mentored by William Johnson (USA) like-minded young people. We continue CLAREO O'SHANNESSY evident in 2019 in the following areas: to seek new ways for young people to be GEORGE MUNRO mentored by Sapidah Kian represented broadly across all areas of mentored by Maude Davey and Mama Alto CREATRIX TIARA INCREASED FOCUS ON our program. GEORGIA BANKS mentored by Maude Davey MULTIGENERATIONAL Older Audiences mentored by Chris Kraus (USA) ELVIN LAM ENGAGEMENT In 2019 Midsumma categorised the program mentored by Justine Miles MERI LEEWORTHY specifically for older audiences. The Young People mentored by Morgan McWaters RUBY ALLEGRA category was established to encourage Over the past three festivals Midsumma has older audiences to participate in Midsumma MARK BROWN II mentored by Quinn Eades worked with youth organisation, Minus18, Festival and to feel safe and connected to mentored by Fez Fa’anana SOPHIE ROSE to create a strong presence of more than the program and their local and broader mentored by Alison Bennett 400 young people at Midsumma Pride Image: Body and Country

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communities. For the second year, Midusmma hosted Alice’s Garage Tea Tent at Midsumma Carnival. The Tea Tent was not only serving tea and coffee for older LGBTQIA+ and their allies but also provided a space where older Over the past two years there has been audiences could meet like-minded people. a significant increase in First Nations The increase in older audience engagement artists and events in both the open access saw audiences who were over 55 years- and ‘Midsumma Presents’ programs of-age double from 2018 to 2019. of Midsumma.

Increased Engagement Increased Engagement with Aboriginal Communities with Disability Cultures Midsumma continued strong and meaningful Midsumma is proud to be a leader engagement with the LGBTQIA+ Aboriginal in disability access and engagement community for the 2019 Festival and initiatives. Our Midsumma Program Guide is throughout the year. made accessible through multiple formats with plain text, audio described, screen Rebecca Hunt was commissioned by readable versions and Auslan video. Midsumma for the role of Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator. This was the third We saw a 33% increase in Auslan year Midsumma funded this role, which interpreted and audio described events is responsible for vital work in engaging across the 2019 program, building further Aboriginal communities, organising upon a 54% increase on the previous year. the Rainbow Aboriginal contingent at Midsumma Pride March and arranging Midsumma partners with Description cultural ceremonies for Midsumma Carnival Victoria, Auslan Stage Left and Guide Dogs and Midsumma Pride March. Victoria to deliver multiple multilayered access and engagement initiatives. For For the second time, Midsumma partnered the first time an accessible viewing area with the Victorian NAIDOC Week Committee was provided at the 2019 Midsumma Pride to crown two members of the Aboriginal March for blind and low vision attendees of community as the “Faces of Aboriginal the march. Pride” for the Festival – a role which allowed them to lead the Rainbow Aboriginal Float in Midsumma also produced tailor-made Midsumma Pride March and feature in events braille and tactile maps for both signature throughout the Festival. events Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma Pride March. For a second year Relaxed Midsumma produced two sell-out Performances were included, shows Aboriginal events for the 2019 Festival: intended specifically to be sensitive to and Body and Country talks event featuring accepting of audience members who may proud Gurnu-Barkandji non binary/trans benefit from a more relaxed environment, costume designer Martinus Kraan and including (but not limited to) those with First Nations Tongan poet Lay the Mystic; autistic spectrum conditions, anyone with and Rainbow Mob Storytelling Hour at the sensory and communication disorders or Midsumma Festival Bar featuring a range learning disabled people. of queer Aboriginal artists telling their stories. We were also proud to feature the renowned Aboriginal comedian Steven Oliver on the main stage of Hamer Hall in Midsumma Extravaganza. Image: Midsumma Pride March 2018 by Suzanne Balding

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Increased Engagement with Culturally and Our Leadership Position Linguistically Diverse Audiences and Artists Midsumma has repositioned itself as For the 2019 Festival, Midsumma continued a globally-relevant cultural influencer to build increased participation for and with artistic and thought leadership by Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ multicultural as well as learning and diversity at its Increased Engagement with the communities through our curated arm heart. We have experienced rapid Transgender Community of the program, Midsumma Presents, growth in audiences, breadth and scope For the first time ever in 2019 Midsumma including: of artists, community engagement produced a trans and gender diverse and depth of artistic partnerships and signature project BODY (a mini festival •• Musician and pop sensation Nakhane new work developed. within the Festival) in partnership with Arts (South Africa) and Cocoa Butter Club House, with satellite projects at Arts Centre (Aus CALD ensemble - various) at Melbourne and Incinerator Gallery. This Melbourne Museum landmark project of national significance •• Film screening by Yen Chou (Taiwan) included works by 27 trans and gender diverse artists and 3 intersex artists locally •• Theatre production MDLSX by and internationally including new works Motus (Italy) commissioned by the Festival especially for •• Dance production Third Nature by Raina this project. The sold-out Gender Euphoria Peterson & Govind Pillai (Aus/India) and showcased the first professional all gender Beast by Krishna Istha (UK/India) diverse cast on a main stage in Australia and touring production MDLSX (Italian •• Cabaret event Gender Euphoria company Motus) was the first professional featuring Miss Bailee Rose Farnham international intersex production to have (Asian-Australian) and Amao Leota Lu toured to Victoria. Not only have we seen (Aus/Samoa) an increase in audience attendance from • Consent Festival featuring Ayman our trans and gender diverse communities • Barbaresco (Aus/Jordan/Italy), Adolfo but an increase in our volunteer workforce Aranjuez (Aus/Philippines), Bobuq Sayed identifying as trans and gender diverse. (Aus/Afghanistan)

•• Midsumma Carnival featuring Creatrix Tiara (Aus/undisclosed), Maribelle (Aus/ Philippines), DJ Airhorn Mami (Aus/ Peru), Nefertiti La Negra (Aus/US) and Dani Boi (Aus/Sri Lanka) Testament to Midsumma’s ability to create safe and inclusive spaces for CALD communities, Midsumma Pride March saw the first-time participation of VIKA, an advocacy group for Pacific rainbow families and friends, who took home the Pride March Award for “Most Fabulous” marching group. For the 2020 Festival, Midsumma is developing a major project - a suite of works by queer artists from across the Indo-Pacific alongside queer Aboriginal artists.

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Access and engagement strategies •• Auslan Video Guide 2019: produced by delivered during the 2019 Midsumma Midsumma with Deaf queer community Festival member, Bethany Robinson, providing a In 2019 Midsumma continued its tailored overview of the festival for Deaf commitment to providing access to audiences. Midsumma communities living with •• Increased events were Audio Described disability. Ongoing partnerships with or Auslan Interpreted for the 2019 Description Victoria, Arts Access Victoria, Midsumma Program. Guide Dogs Victoria and Auslan Stage Left enabled a diverse range of extended •• Auslan Description. In 2019 the number services aimed at disability access and of events with Auslan Interpretation engagement. Guide Dogs Victoria are saw a 33% increase on the previous currently producing an access audit of year (2018 having been a 54% increase the Midsumma Pride March site, due to from 2017). be delivered to Midsumma Festival in the Not only were there more Midsumma coming month, to assist with planning Presented events interpreted, but we also for 2020. saw an increase in open access producers The Midsumma Program Guide was who saw the opportunity of further produced in multiple formats designed promotion as a valuable way to extend to facilitate increased access to those audiences for their events. This was 2019 ACCESS less able to access/read standard printed a direct result of significant advocacy program guide or websites and therefore work by Midsumma in this area over INITIATIVES AND often less likely to attend / engage with the past year, and the modelling of best events. practice by Midsumma for all of its own- ACTIVITIES presented events in the 2017 and 2018 At Midsumma, we recognise our Alternative Format Program Guides festival programs. responsibility to achieve genuine •• Program Guide 2019: Plain Text PDF outcomes beyond written policies and guide in plain English with a large font procedures, and legislative requirements. and no images. True accessibility and inclusion goes far •• Program Guide 2019: a screen-readable beyond whether a venue is accessible aim to rebuild disabled, low vision and deaf PDF of the guide or not, and over the past two years we peoples’ confidence in engaging with arts have commenced plans to develop and and cultural events. Our leadership in this •• Audio Guide 2019: produced by us with implement a broad range of accessibility area can become a model and support for Description Victoria, this audio guide initiatives to ensure that all Midsumma other community and arts organisations in provided a tailored overview of the events are inclusive of the broadest the future. festival to audiences who are blind or possible participation. have low vision. Our comprehensive disability activities Our approach aims to facilitate both the have become integral to the whole culture active participation of members of the of our organisation and the Festival is LGBTQIA+ communities who identify as committed to ensuring we continue to living with a disability, but also build new further develop our relationship with a audiences for LGBTQIA+ artists within the variety of disability communities through various disability communities. In this way, improved access and engagement as well as ensuring that Midsumma Festival strategies. The Festival actively partners is as accessible as possible, our initiatives with a wide range of established local disability organisations to both develop

Image: Gender Euphoria presented by Midsumma Festival initiatives and to promote them. and Arts Centre Melbourne. Image by Alexis D.Lea featuring Harvey Zielinski

36 37 Midsumma Festival 2018/ 19 Annual Report

Audio Description of Program Guide narratives Midsumma Presents events with Auslan Interpreted sessions Midsumma partnered with Description Victoria to create an audio version of full event Midsumma Australia Post Art Prize exhibition opening 22 Jan descriptions for events that enhanced the experience of attending for people with low Midsumma Carnival (2x stages) 20 Jan vision. The events fully described were: Midsumma Pride March 3 Feb Midsumma Carnival (1x stage at post-Pride celebrations in Catani Gardens) MDSLX by Motus Midsumma Extravaganza 29 Jan Third Nature by Raina Peterson & Govind Pillai Beast by Krishna Istha 1 Feb Beast by Krishna Istha Body and Country 2 Feb Gender Euphoria Dancing Qweens 31 Jan Personal Touch Gender Euphoria 24 Jan HR by Bonnie Hart MDLSX by Motus 1 Feb POISE by Kelly O’Shea Midsumma Festival Bar 1 Feb De/Afficiency by Debris Facility Playtime Staged Readings 30 Jan BodMod Salon Open-Access events with Auslan Interpreted sessions Panopticon by Simona Castricum Cake Daddy 4 Feb HABITS and friends Doubling Down: A Discussion on Disability and LGBTIQ 10 Feb Body and Country Kong’s 6th Birthday Blowout 25 Jan Celebrating Intersex Bodies

Mama’s Little Gayby 7-8 Feb Tactile Tour Merciless Gods 9 Feb Tactile tours of the venue/event space were conducted prior to the event or performance Once Upon a Drag Storytime 9 Feb to allow low vision attendees to familiarise themselves with the venue. The events offering tactile tours were: Park lounge 2 Feb Queer Stories 23 Jan Homophonic! 31 Jan Radical Rituals 7 Feb Midsumma and Australia Post Art Prize 22 Jan Speak Up! I Can’t Hear You 29 Jan Midsumma Carnival 20 Jan

The Butch Monologues 29 Jan Relaxed Performances The Legend of Queen Kong Episode II: Queen Kong in Outer Space 16-20 Jan Midsumma event producers were once again encouraged to consider ‘relaxed Unicorns the Festival 2 Feb performances’ intended specifically to be sensitive to and accepting of audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment, including (but not limited to) those Audio Description with autistic spectrum conditions, anyone with sensory and communication disorders or learning disabled people. 2019 also saw the further rise of Audio Described events and initiatives for attendees with Events that contributed with Relaxed Performances included: low vision well above previously available services. These included:

Rainbow Family Storytime 1 Feb Midsumma Presented Audio Described sessions Speak Up! I Can’t Hear You 29 Jan Dancing Qweens 31 Jan The Butch Monologues 29 Jan Third Nature 2 Feb The Legend of Queen Kong Episode II: Queen Kong in Outer Space 16-20 Jan

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Enhanced culture 52% of the respondents attending with 43% increase in overall program size since children under 18 years, just over half 2017 across art forms. Curatorially, there indicated to have attended with teenagers is a focus on intersectionality of diverse over 12 years old (52%). This is a direct artistic communities and art forms. result of increased youth engagement including presentation of works by young 65% audience growth of the curated artists in Midsumma Youth Spectacular arts program attendance over two years. (Melba Spiegeltent), QueerTech.io and a Total audience 284,098 (54% growth in youth ambassador program. two years) of which 197,868 was to the Midsumma curated new work program, 58% culturally and linguistically diverse. Midsumma Presents. Midsumma Presents is This is a direct result of increased CALD made up of both ticketed and free events. engagement through a partnership with Arts Centre Melbourne in the presentation 44% of all events were free. Of ticketed of The Cocoa Butter Club in 2018 and events, average ticket price $22. upcoming Queer Unsettled 2020.

External industry recognition of the 11% of audiences identify as Trans and increased artistic quality and breadth of gender diverse and intersex representation. programing in 2019. Increase of these audiences through BODY, an unprecedented leadership project Midsumma has evolved a methodology commissioning and profiling works by 2019 ARTISTIC (first of it’s kind) for developing work that 27 trans and gender diverse artists and 3 is uniquely shaped to the experience of OUTCOMES intersex artists, locally and internationally. queer artists and audiences. It is the aim of Midsumma Festival that the Included the first all gender diverse projects we produce will have long-term Diversity of Representation professional cast on a main stage in cultural impact beyond immediate KPIs and Image: Beast by Bryony Jackson 2% of audiences identify as Aboriginal Australia and first professional international outputs. featuring Krishna Istha or Torres Strait Islander. Partnerships intersex production toured to Victoria. Midsumma has repositioned itself as a with Vic NAIDOC Committee globally relevant cultural influencer with “Krishna created a wonderful set that and Yirramboi Festival, and employment artistic leadership, learning and diversity resonated with me as a QTIPOC (and of an Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at its heart. We have experienced rapid by the howls around me I gather many has increased visibility for and cultural growth in audiences, breadth and scope of others as well), and honestly was probably events by LGBTQIA+ First Nations peoples artists, organisational capacity, and depth the best therapy I’ve gotten in years.” - in the Festival. of artistic partnerships and new work Sumarlinah Raden Winoto via Liminal, saw 54% average increase in disability cultures development. BEAST as part of BODY. with engagement built into the DNA of the We have gained artistic recognition for our “Dance is an extremely visual thing. I can’t organisation through Auslan interpretation curatorial direction and the vital role we see. It’s as simple as that. Which was why, and description services, staff training, play in the development of queer culture when I heard that Dancing Qweens (a Pathways mentorship program and in 2018 across Victoria and nationally. Midsumma Presents Event)… was offering the commissioning of a tactile installation an audio described performance, I was created for and by blind/low vision Increased quality or creative/artistic work beyond intrigued. I can honestly say that LGBTQIA+. “Watching them express themselves, I wasn’t bored for a single second… It was unhindered by someone else’s standards, contagious from the moment I walked into was liberating. The piece inspired a sense the performance space.” - Olivia Muscat, that everyone should be free to explore Blind Critic via Whiteness Performance their own beliefs and standards, a message experienced audio described performance as lovely as the performance itself.” - of Dancing Qweens – a Midsumma Presents Sophia Dickinson via Arts Review, saw event. Third Nature as part of BODY.

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WHO ARE OUR Household Structure AUDIENCES?

Sexuality Diversity Gender Diversity 28% 32% 21% 20% Single Couple Share house Family Gay...... 38% Male...... 45%

Heterosexual...... 15% Female...... 44%

Lesbian...... 14% Non-binary...... 7%

Queer...... 13% Transgender...... 2% Income (per annum)

Bisexual...... 11% Other...... 2%

Pansexual...... 5% Prefer not to say...... 1% Asexual...... 1% 19% 27% 54% Under $40,000 $40,000 – $80,000 $80,000+ Diversity (other than sexuality or gender) 26% of those surveyed also answered the following questions. Of them: Residence

58% 23% 11% 2% 2% Come from a Identify as a Identify as Identify as identify as non-English person with a carer of a Aboriginal or a person speaking disability person with Torres Strait of Intersex 84% 4% 8% 3% background disability Islander variation Melbourne Interstate Regional International Victoria - an increase of Age 1% on 2018 39% 17% 19% 14% 25–34 18–24 35–44 45–54 $14 million year olds year olds year olds year olds Direct economic impact for the state of Victoria, according to independent analysis. Broader gross economic impact for the 2019 Midsumma Carnival 2019 by Creative Edge Photography Festival, to the State’s economy was estimated at $32 million.

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OUR REACH Website From program launch (14 Nov) to the end Public Relations of Midsumma Festival 2019 (10 Feb) the Midsumma again engaged an external Midsumma website saw: PR agency, Zilla & Brook, who have a • 126,526 individual users long history in conducting publicity for • Melbourne Fringe and other lifestyle events/ •• 79% new visitors festivals – and business owner Fiona Brook also produces a show on JOY 94.9. •• 20% returning visitors Increased PR activity was noticeably higher We recorded a 26.5% increase in website than last year through this continued traffic during Midsumma Festival 2019 investment. Total PR value generated compared to the same period for Midsumma Festival 2018. On the day of Midsumma over the Festival period is estimated Current followers on each platform End of last (2017) festival % increase at $11,276,992 with an estimated total Carnival (20 Jan 2019) alone we recorded reach (people) of 537,069,221 (up from 12,178 visits to the Midsumma website. Other Facebook 25898 22418 +15.5% 214,972,675 in 2018). than English speakers (as well as users for whom English is not their first language) Instagram 7602 5701 +33.3% Midsumma billboards were provided the most common language spoken by our Twitter 7271 7023 +3.5% through a partnership with Ooh! Media, audiences in terms of website translation was with a profile highlight being the largest of (in order) German, Chinese Simplified, these in a key CBD location which was live French, Spanish, Chinese Traditional. Printed publications and focus editions undertook the role of guest editor, and throughout Midsumma Festival 19 Jan – 2 provided a 400 word editor's introduction Social media Midsumma worked with the popular Time Feb reaching 560,100 people at an average Out magazine to curate a Midsumma preceding a two-page Midsumma feature frequency of 2.9 times. Also, through Ooh! We recorded a significant increase in social edition of Time Out magazine for their in the edition. Media we received promotion for a 4-week media engagement across the festival. December 2018 / January 2019 period. period on 50 digital screens at 50 venues LGBTIQ national magazine Star Observer Facebook - 60% increase in post reach and Midsumma was provided with guest editor across Melbourne Café and Office sites. also worked with us to curate a Midsumma 75% increase in engagement compared to responsibilities, decisions for the front edition. Midsumma was provided with the 2018. Twitter - 56% increase in post reach, cover, two pages to promote Midsumma front cover, three double page articles 2% increase in mentions, 213% increase in Festival events and four feature articles. (Third Nature, Consent Festival and Gender followers compared to 2018. Karen Bryant, CEO of Midsumma Festival, Euphoria) and a back page ad.

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Our CEO Karen should be commended for her leadership and management throughout the year, with our overall financial performance resulting in a net surplus of $1,946, slightly down from $6,138 in 2017-18. As an organisation, we rely heavily on donations and support from the community to continue to deliver the experiences that Midsumma brings and TREASURER’S we appreciate any assistance received. In addition to the tremendous volunteering REPORT and in-kind support we receive from our As incoming treasurer for 2018-19 and a community, I would like to recognise the new face to the Midsumma community, I significant support from our sponsors and would like to take the opportunity to thank various levels of government. Jamal Hakim for his amazing service to For the 2019-20 year, board members Midsumma during his time as treasurer and have renewed their declaration to make for helping to build the financial stability a financial commitment above their in- that I was presented with. kind donations and board commitments The ongoing stability and growth of through Midsumma’s Patron Program. For Midsumma couldn’t have happened those of you who have joined us, I thank without the dedication of the entire team you and urge those able to contribute, or in the office, the board and the many interested in joining, to reach out to us. volunteers who support the Festival. As Finally, I look forward to the 2020 Festival treasurer though, I can’t possibly overstate and I hope to see you there. the role that our finance manager Angus has played in supporting the board to make Michael Fuller-Smith financially educated decisions through the Treasurer, Midsumma Festival Inc. reports and analytics he provides. The financials for the year are presented in addition to the auditor’s notes. This year has seen growth across all of Midsumma’s revenue streams, with the exception of the Midwinta Ball. These results were great for the community as all additional revenue was invested directly back into the Festival and other Midsumma programs.

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OUR VALUABLE Michael Fuller-Smith Peter Edmonds Brenton Geyer Sue Fletcher PATRONS Cameron Goers Luke Gallagher Ian Gould Brenton Geyer Diamond Patrons Stephen Hanlon Ian Gould ($5,000+) Stuart Kollmorgen Jeffrey Grad OUR PEOPLE Queeraz & Rodrigo Reis Nigel Higgins Stomping Ground Brewery Mark Meierjohann Crusader Hillis Co. Sebastian Norman Leigh Johns Aaron O’Shannessy Geraldine Kirby Gold Patrons Andrea Pearman Matto Lucas MIDSUMMA MIDSUMMA Communications & ($2,000 - $4,999) Website John Timms Lee Matthews BOARD FESTIVAL TEAM Alan Drummond Elizabeth & Alan Botton Gail Veal David Micallef Swisse Wellness Jo Whyte Letizia Mondello Chair Chief Executive Summer Work Placements David Owen John Caldwell Karen Bryant Theodore Murray Silver Patrons Kaye Sera Programming ($1,000 - $1,999) Life Members Deputy Chair Program Manager Ron Thiele Laura Barnes Aaron O’Shannessy Daniel Santangeli John Caldwell Ray Arthur Rowland Thomson Production Adam John Lowe Angela Bailey Danny Vadasz Treasurer Finance & Office Manager Con Karampelas Leigh Johns OAM Tim Bateson Tracey Wall Michael Fuller-Smith Angus Li Marketing Jude Munro Claire Beckwith Will Walton Shaun Pirovano Lisa Watts Secretary Marketing Manager Michael Trovato Dean Bryant Marketing Roxy B. Wilde Stephen Hanlon Felicity McIntosh Scott Campbell Rainbow Patrons Midsumma and Australia Glyn Cryer Ordinary Board Members Production Manager ($500 - $1,000) Post Art Prize Coordinator John Cummins Tori Berquist Douglas Brook Sheena Colquhoun Tori Berquist Sasha Cunningham Rhys Cranney Michael Dalton Program Coordinator Rhys Cranney Michael Daly BODY Programmer Kris Darmody John Pyburn Michael Daly Alex Francis-Yu darcy t. gunk Alex Francis-Yu Alan Drummond Sebastian Norman Administrator Jeff Dycer Festival Bar Producer Andrea Pearman Matt Hirst Alexina Coad Jo Whyte Ticketing Manager and Brand & Program Guide Volunteer to the Board Producer Services Design Amanda Edwards Evan Lawson OUR VOLUNTEERS Sweet Creative The festival is much loved by the Victorian and broader LGBTQIA+ community and for this Volunteer Coordinator Website Interface Design Kellie Jayne Chambers year’s festival 236 volunteers contributed almost 2,420 volunteer hours to assist the delivery Grindstone Creative of events over the 23 days. Annual Report and Partnership Assets Volunteer ages This Year Forde + Nicol 15-24 39.5% Risk Consultant 25-34 35.8% Public Safety Australia 35-44 10.6% 45-54 5.8% 55-64 6.4% 65+ 1.9%

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OUR PARTNERS APPENDIX COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

•• Blackdog Institute and North Western PRINCIPAL PARTNERS 1. MIDSUMMA CARNIVAL Melbourne Primary Health Network COMMUNITY STALLS (NWMPHN) and RUOK?: Blue 13A There were two main stall blocks at •• Boutique Homes: Blue 15D Carnival 2019: the Sports Precinct adjacent to the main stage area (near the St Kilda •• Burnet Institute: Green 13CD Rd end of the park) and the main Stalls •• Carers Victoria: Green 5D MAJOR PARTNERS Village at the other end, within the Picnic Precinct. •• ChillOut Festival: Blue 10A

Alphabetical List of Stalls •• CHRISTALIGNMENT: Red 11CD •• Aged Care Assessment Services Victoria: •• City of Melbourne / YMCA: Red 2AB Yellow 5C •• City of Port Phillip: Yellow 3AB •• AGL: White 1 •• City of Stonnington: Blue 6AB GOLD PARTNERS TECHNOLOGY •• Alfred Health Carer Services: Red 4B PARTNER •• cohealth: Blue 13B •• Alfred Pride Network: White 10A •• Coral Covey Jewellery: Blue 11A •• Ambulance Victoria: Green 15B •• Corrs Chambers Westgarth: White 3AB •• Amnesty International LGBTIQ+: Red 2D •• Crown Pride: Yellow 5B •• Anglicare Victoria: Green 4C •• Dan Murphy’s: White 2 SILVER PARTNERS •• Animals Australia: Green 8C •• Defence Force Recruiting: Green 15AB •• Astute Financial: White 14A •• Dr. Bronner’s ALL-ONE!: Red 8B •• Australia Post: Blue 4CD •• Dykes on Bikes Melbourne: Blue 8A •• Australian Education Union: Blue 16B •• EACH: Blue 8D •• Australian Federal Police: Green 14A PRESENTING PARTNERS •• Elder Abuse Prevention (North West •• Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council Aged care Assessment Service): (AGMC): Blue 12C Yellow 5D

•• Australian Hearing: Red 11ABw •• Emergency Services Pride: Green 14B •• Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives •• Expression Australia/WorkingOUT: (ALGA): Green 8B Blue 9D

COMMUNITY MEDIA PARTNERS MEDIA PARTNERS •• Australian Unity: White 15AB •• Family Planning Victoria: Green 4B •• Beagle Freedom Australia: Blue 7B •• Fostering Connections: Green 6A •• Berry Street: Green 4A •• Frog Dog Studios: Green 7D •• Better Place Australia: Blue 8C •• Gambler’s Help: Red 4A

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•• Life Without Barriers: Blue 9C •• MelbourneIVF: Green 6B •• Rainbow Rights and Advocacy: Blue 10CD •• Lifeview: Red 6AB •• Mercer Pride: Blue 15C •• Rainbow Store: White 12B •• Love and Luck Podcast: Green 10B •• Mind Equality Centre: Green 10A •• Reason Victoria: Blue 13C •• Love is Love Photography: Yellow 3D •• Monash Health Gender Clinic: Blue 15A •• Gay & Lesbian Immigration Task Force •• : Sports Precinct (GLITF): Green 2A • Low Rez Choir: Green 11C • Motafrenz Car Club: Sports Precinct - • • - South 1 & 2 South 7 •• Gay and Lesbian Foundation of Australia •• MacKillop Family Services: Green 5B •• RMIT Pride: Green 6CD (GALFA): Green 2B •• NAB: White 4 •• Many Coloured Sky: Red 3D •• Rotary International: White 14B •• Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia: Blue •• nbn co.: Blue 7D •• Matrix Guild of Victoria Inc.: Blue 7B 2A •• Royal Automobile Club of Victoria •• Northern Metro Local Governments- • Maurice Blackburn Lawyers: Yellow 3C (RACV) Limited: Yellow 4AB •• Gay Community Periodic Survey: Red 9 • Banyule, Darebin, Moreland, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Yarra: Blue 4AB •• Ruby Dance: Green 9D •• Gay Ski Week Australia / Points of •• MCC Melbourne: Green 4D Difference Travel & Events: Green 3C •• Melbourne Argonauts: Sports Precinct - •• Northside clinic: Blue 14B •• RYAN CARLISLE THOMAS LAWYERS: South 10 Green 2C •• Glamourhead Sharks Aquatics Club: •• Olivia - The Travel Company for Lesbians: Sports Precinct - South 9 •• Melbourne Chargers Rugby: Sports Green 2D •• Safe Steps Family Violence Repsonse Precinct - North 9 Centre / No To Violence: Green 7A •• GLHV: Red 5B •• Out For Australia: Blue 7A •• Melbourne City Mission: Red 5D •• SEEK: White 4AB •• Global Surrogacy: Green 3B •• Out West: Western Metro LGBTIQA+ Local government network: Red 3A •• Shuttlecats: Sports Precinct - South 12 •• GLOBE: White 11 •• Melbourne Frontrunners: Sports Precinct - North 12 •• PAN - PrEPaccessNOW: Green 15C •• SKYN: White •• Go Thai Be Free: Blue 2B •• Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus •• Parents of Gender Diverse Children: •• South Eastern Centre Against Sexual •• Goulburn Valley Pride Inc.: Blue 10B (MGLC) and shOUT Youth Chorus: Green Green 10B Assault (SECASA): Red 2C 12A •• Guide Dogs Victoria: Yellow 5A •• Pink Magpies: Sports Precinct - South 6 •• St Kilda and Fitzroy Legal Service: Blue •• Melbourne Homeless Collective: Red 7AB •• headspace: Green 3A 14D •• Prahran Market Clinic: Green 15D •• Melbourne Inclusive Church: Green 3D •• Ice Hockey Victoria: Sports Precinct - •• Star Health: Green 12D •• Pride Cup: Sports Precinct - South 5 North 13 •• Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers: Sports •• Star Observer: Green 8A Precinct - South 8 •• PRONTO!: Red 10 •• Insurance4PrEP.com.au: Green 9C •• StartOut: Blue 5B •• Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF): •• Proud Minority: Blue 11C •• Intersex Community: Blue 12D Green 7B •• Swinburne University: Sports Precinct - •• Psoriasis Australia: Green 14C •• Jetstar Airways: Blue 2CD South 3 & 4 •• Melbourne Rainbow Band: Blue 11A •• pwc: Blue 1 •• JOY 94.9: Red 8A •• Swisse Wellness: White 7 •• Melbourne Rovers Soccer Club: Sports •• Queer Greens Victoria: Green 5C •• Keshet Australia: White 12A Precinct - North 10 •• Switchboard Victoria: Green 9B •• queerspace - Drummond Street Services: •• KNOTbound Ltd: Blue 8B •• Melbourne Smashers Badminton Club: Blue 6CD Sports Precinct - South 11 •• Kong’s Kings: Blue 9A •• Queers In Science: Green 8D •• Melbourne Spikers Volleyball: Sports •• La Trobe University: Green 7C Precinct - North 7 •• Rainbow Families Victoria: Family •• Liberal Party of Australia (Tim Precinct •• Melbourne Surge: Sports Precinct - North Wilson and Kelly O›Dwyer): Blue 5C 5 & N6 •• Rainbow Fertility: Green 5A •• Liberal Party of Victoria - Southern •• Melbourne Wranglers Wrestling Club • Rainbow Labor Victoria: Green 12B Metropolitan Region: Blue 5D • INC.: Sports Precinct - North 11 60 61 Midsumma Festival 2018/ 19 Annual Report

•• Victorian Mental Illness Awareness •• 5: Knox Youth Services •• 3: Victoria’s bisexual community Council: Red 3B •• 6: Hey Partners Youth Contingent •• 4: Vixen Collective (Victoria’s peer only •• Victorian Ombudsman: White 13B sex worker organisation) Wave C: Youth Groups •• Victorian Pride Centre: Green 9A •• 1: FitzPride •• 5: Salome’s Circle •• Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras: • Victorian Public Sector Pride Network: • 6: RhED - sex workers and allies Green 10C • •• 2: Northcote High School • Blue 7C supporting full decriminalisation of the •• Teachers Health/ Nurses and Midwife •• 3: Buckley Park College sex industry in Victoria • VincentCare Victoria: Supporting people Health: Blue 16C • at risk of or expereincing homelessness: •• 4: Carey Baptist Grammar PRIDE group •• 7: Melbourne Aces - Asexuals Australia •• Team Melbourne - Proud2Play: Sports Red 5C •• 5: University High Spectrum • 8: Ace of Hearts Precinct - North 8 • •• We Are Union Pride: White 13A •• 6: Banyule/Nillumbik Schools Network •• 9: VicBears Inc •• Telstra: White 3 •• Wear it Purple: Red 3C •• 7: Cranbourne East Secondary College •• 10: Victorian Leather Inc •• The AFL Pride Collective (Purple •• Wellways Well Proud: Blue 16A Bombers): Sports Precinct - North 1 - N4 •• 8: Overnewton Anglican Community •• 12: Melbourne Furries •• Football Club: Sports College •• The Channel Giving Circle: Red 4C • 14: Guide Dogs Victoria Precinct - South 14 • •• 9: Swinburne Senior Secondary College •• The Cullen: Blue 3ABCD •• 15: Lifeview Residential Care •• White Warrior Health : Holistic and •• 10: McKinnon Pride •• The Melbourne Clinic: Blue 15B Natural Therapy Professionals: Blue 11D •• 15A: Eastern Health •• 11: headspace Has Your Back •• The Pinnacle Foundation: Blue 5A •• Women*s Circus: Sports Precinct - South •• 16: Rainbow Rights and Advocacy 13 •• 12: Lord Somers Camp & Power House •• The Wilderness Society: Red 4D •• 19: POW Circus •• Your Community Health: Blue 14A Wave D: Youth Groups •• Thorne Harbour Health: Red 9 Wave G: HIV + AIDS Organisations; Queer •• 1: Parents of Gender Diverse Children •• Merri Health: Blue 9B Organisations; LGBTQIA+ Advocacy •• Thorne Harbour Health Services: Red 10 •• 2: Royal Childrens’ Hospital Gender Groups; LGBTQIA+ representatives of •• Trans Central Station: Green 11AC 2. MIDSUMMA PRIDE Service Political Parties •• 1: Riff Raff Radical Marching Band and •• Trans Medical Research: Green 10D MARCH 2019 •• 3: Royal Children’s Hospital friends •• Uniting AgeWell: Yellow 4CD Midsumma Pride March 2019 – Registered •• 4: Transcend March Participants, in order •• 3: Harm Reduction Victoria •• Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care: Red 5A •• 5: Rainbow Connections Youth and • 5: Latinx & Hispanic Fiesta Pre-March Procession Family group • •• VicBears Inc: Blue 12AB • 1: Dykes on Bikes Melbourne •• 6: VIC-PAH Puppies • •• 6: NorthWest Rainbow •• VicTennis Glam Slam: Sports Precinct - • 6A: Victorian Pride Centre North 13 •• 2: Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers Wave E: Youth Groups • •• Victoria Legal Aid - Helping Stop Wave AA: Rainbow Aboriginal Pride & VIPs •• 1: St Kilda Park Primary School (SKiPPS) •• 7: 40 Years of Star Observer Discrimination: Blue 13D • 1: Rainbow Aboriginal Pride • •• 2: Scouts Victoria - Everybody welcome •• Victoria Police: Green 13A • 2: City of Port Phillip • •• 4: Rainbow families inner south east •• Victoria Police Legacy: Green 13B Wave B: Youth Groups Wave F: Groups representing Diverse •• Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human •• 1: Minus18 What’s your pronoun? Genders & Sexualities; Marchers with access Rights Commission: Blue 14C needs; Queer organisations •• 2: The Gay Avengers • 1: • Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby • • •• 3: Hume City Council - Glitter Crew (VGLRL): Blue 12C •• 2: The Shed •• 4: CanTeen

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•• 4: DT’s Hotel Wave K: Organisations & Groups •• 9: Environment Protection Authority Showing Pride Victoria •• 5: Queer Greens Victoria •• 1: PwC •• 10: Mental Health Complaints • 5A: GLAM Pride Victoria: Queerying the • Commissioner catalogue and curating the revolution •• 3: Corrs Chambers Westgarth •• 8: Matrix Guild of Victoria Inc. •• 11: Refract - Melbourne Water’s LGBTI+ • 6: Melbourne Gaymers •• 4: Dan Murphy’s • network •• 9: Rainbow Labor Victoria •• 7: LARP LGBT+ •• 5: Proud at Woolworths Group Wave O: Organisations & Groups •• 10: JOY •• 8: Spaced Out - A Science Fiction club Wave L: Organisations & Groups Showing Pride Showing Pride Wave H: Queer Organisations; for the LGBTI community •• 1: AFL Pride Collective (Saints Pride) LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Groups; LGBTQIA+ •• 1: Swisse Wellness • 10: It’s the ADELAIDE Sisters representatives of Political Parties • •• 2: •• 2: Jetstar Airways •• 1: LOW REZ MELBOURNE MALE POP •• 12: Individuals •• 3: South Melbourne Districts Football CHOIR •• 3: SEEK Club •• 13: Very Greer Impressive •• 2: LGBTIQ - Support and Protection •• 5: Swinburne Queer Collective •• 4: Proud Cricket •• 14: MCC Melbourne Services (Hawthorn) •• 5: Believe in Yourself •• 15: Acceptance Melbourne LGBT+ • 4: Greater Shepparton’s LGBTI+ Pride •• 5A: Richmond Football Club • Catholics Organisations Wave P: Local Councils & Local Council •• 6: KIIS 101.1 Affiliated Groups •• 17: Reason Victoria •• 6: Jews of Pride Wave M: Emergency Services •• 0: LGPro •• 18: Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus • 7: GLOBE • and shOUT Youth Chorus •• 1: Emergency Management Victoria •• 1: The North Is Coming Out! (Local •• 8: Melbourne Queer Film Festival Governments) •• 19: NAB Pride •• 2: Victoria State Emergency Service •• 9: No Pride In Detention •• 2: Melbourne PRIDE Wave J: Team Melbourne •• 3: Ambulance Victoria (AV) •• 3: Out West - Western Region Councils •• 10: Yellow Kitties •• 1: Melbourne Surge Water Polo •• 4: Victoria Police •• 4: City of Kingston •• 11: SQuAT (Subtle Queer Asian Traits •• 2: Glamourhead Sharks •• 5: CFA PRIDE group) •• 6: City of Whittlesea •• 3: The NOMADS Outdoors Group •• 6: St John Ambulance Australia (VIC) Inc •• 12: VIKA •• 7: Cardinia Shire Council •• 4: Bent Kranks •• 7: St Kilda Lifesavers •• 13: Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Wave Q: Organisations & Groups •• 5: Melbourne Frontrunners Wave N: Government Affiliated Lobby Showing Pride Organisations •• 14: Amnesty International LGBTIQ+ •• 6: Melbourne Spikers Volleyball •• 1: The University of Melbourne •• 1: Post Pride •• 15: Liberal Victoria •• 7: Melbourne Wranglers •• 2: Monash University •• 2: Victorian Public Sector Pride Network Wave I: Queer Events,Venues & Social •• 8: Melbourne Dragons Martial Arts •• 3: Monash Queer Department •• 3: Department of Justice and Regulation Groups; Individuals; LGBTQIA+ •• 9: 69’ers Bowling League Melbourne (Vic) representatives of Political Parties; Religious Organisations; Queer led Groups •• 10: Melbourne Argonauts •• 4: Victoria Legal Aid •• 1: Melbourne Rainbow Band •• 11: Smashers and Shuttlecats •• 5: Parks Victoria •• 2: Miss Gay & Miss Transsexual Australia •• 12: Melbourne Chargers Rugby •• 6: Metro Trains Melbourne International •• 13: Motafrenz •• 7: V/Line Corporation •• 3: The 86 Cabaret Bar •• 8: WorkSafe Victoria

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•• 7A: Life Without Barriers •• 8: AIG Australia - Insuring with Pride Wave T: Organisations & Groups Showing Pride •• 4: La Trobe University •• 1: The City of Melbourne Highland Pipe •• 5: Rotary International Band •• 6: RMIT Pride •• 2: Victoria Trades Hall Council •• 7: Pride at Cummins •• 4: Society of Australian Sexologists Wave R: Health & Wellbeing •• 5: Community lawyers fighting for LGBTI rights •• 1: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute •• 7: AccorHotels •• 2: Florey Institute •• 8: BP Pride •• 3: Queers In Science •• 9: IAG •• 4: Crisis Services Network •• 10: Pride@NBN •• 6: Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) •• 11: Baptcare •• 7: Deaf-initely pride •• 12: Better Place Australia •• 8: VincentCare Victoria Wave U: Organisations & Groups •• 9: Expression Australia Showing Pride •• 11: Western Health •• 1: Timeless Pride •• 13: Austin Health •• 2: CUA •• 14: Berry Street •• 4: Prism •• 15: CLEAN AND SOBER •• 5: Pride@KPMG •• 16: Family Planning Victoria •• 6: Northern Trust •• 17: Wellways Well Proud •• 7: Nicholes Family Lawyers •• 18: Australian Association of Social •• 8: Victorian LGBTI Interbank Workers •• 9: Vodafone •• 20: Queer Health Collective •• 10: Melbourne City Mission Wave S: Organisations & Groups Showing Pride Wave V: Organisations & Groups Showing Pride •• 1: The Walt Disney Company (Australia) •• 1: Midsumma Festival •• 3: We March With Pride •• 4: CPA Australia •• 5: Zendesk •• 6: EY

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