Artist Development & Creative Leadership
@ganiyevart
Investing in Australia's LGBTQIA+ Creative Future
Supporting the next generation of LGBTQIA+ artists, creatives and cultural leaders
Creativity has the power to change lives, shape communities and create lasting social change. At Midsumma, we believe LGBTQIA+ artists deserve more than a stage—they deserve opportunities to develop, be recognised, build sustainable careers and influence Australia's cultural future.
That's why we've created a suite of national and state-based development programs, mentorships and awards that invest in queer creativity at every stage of an artist's journey.
Whether you're an emerging creative finding your voice, an artist developing new work, a playwright with a story to tell, a visual artist seeking national recognition, or a regional organisation creating local impact, Midsumma is here to help create pathways to your next opportunity.
Together, these programs champion artistic excellence, remove barriers to participation and ensure LGBTQIA+ stories continue to shape Australia's creative landscape.
Why Midsumma invests in artists
For almost four decades, Midsumma has celebrated LGBTQIA+ creativity. Today, our role extends far beyond producing one of Australia's largest queer arts festivals.
We are building the creative ecosystem that supports LGBTQIA+ artists year-round.
Through mentorship, professional development, awards, commissions and regional investment, Midsumma creates opportunities that help artists:
- Develop creative and professional skills
- Build sustainable careers
- Expand professional networks
- Increase visibility and recognition
- Access mentorship from industry leaders
- Create new work and reach new audiences
- Strengthen the future of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture
Many participants go on to exhibit nationally, present major works, secure funding, lead organisations and mentor the next generation themselves—creating a lasting legacy across Australia's arts sector.
Redefining cultural participation
At Midsumma, we believe cultural participation is more than entertainment.
It is social infrastructure. It is economic infrastructure.
Every artist we support contributes to a stronger creative economy, healthier communities and a more inclusive Australia.
By investing in LGBTQIA+ artists, we're investing in jobs, creative industries, regional communities, tourism, wellbeing, representation and the stories that help people see themselves—and each other—with greater understanding.
This is how we are redefining cultural participation: not simply as attendance at events, but as an essential driver of creativity, connection, inclusion and economic growth across Australia.
This is the foundation of what we describe as the Midsumma Equity Infrastructure Model: the understanding that inclusive cultural participation functions as infrastructure that strengthens workplaces, markets and communities simultaneously.
Midsumma Pathways
Nine-month national mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ artists with disability. Pathways creates accessible professional development opportunities while connecting artists with mentors, networks and industry knowledge to strengthen creative practice and leadership. Designed for: LGBTQIA+ artists with disability seeking career development and mentorship.
Midsumma Pathways
Midsumma Futures
Nine-month development and mentoring program for early-career LGBTQIA+ artists and culture-makers. Midsumma Futures supports emerging creatives through professional development, mentorship, networking and creative opportunities that help build long-term careers in the arts. Designed for: Early-career artists, producers, creatives and cultural leaders with disability.
Midsumma Futures
Queer Playwriting Award
Australia's national award celebrating outstanding new LGBTQIA+ playwriting. The Queer Playwriting Award champions bold new voices and original stories, helping playwrights gain recognition and opportunities for future development and production. Designed for: Emerging and established playwrights.
Queer Playwriting Award
Homophonic! Pride Prize
Australia's national award celebrating LGBTQIA+ composers and new Australian music. The Homophonic! Pride Prize recognises the creativity and achievement of queer-identifying composers from across Australia. Homophonic! provides a unique opportunity for composers to create a new work in collaboration with leading soloists, culminating in a premiere performance as part of Midsumma Festival each year. Designed for: LGBTQIA+ composers from across Australia.
The Homophonic! Pride Prize
Midsumma's National Art Award
A national visual arts award celebrating contemporary LGBTQIA+ artists. Recognising artistic excellence across diverse media, the National Art Award showcases outstanding work while supporting artists through increased visibility and professional recognition. Designed for: Contemporary visual artists working in any medium.
The Midsumma Art Award
Regional Activation Program
Supporting LGBTQIA+ arts, culture and community activation across regional Victoria. Delivered as part of Victoria's Pride, the Regional Activation Program invests in locally led projects that celebrate queer communities, strengthen regional creative practice and increase access to LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural experiences. Designed for: Regional artists, organisations, councils and community groups across Victoria.
Regional Activation ProgramInvest in Australia's creative future
Every artist supported through Midsumma's development and award programs strengthens Australia's creative and cultural landscape. Together, we're creating opportunities, building careers and ensuring LGBTQIA+ stories continue to shape our communities for generations to come.
Whether you're an individual, philanthropic foundation, government agency or corporate partner, you can help expand the reach and impact of these programs.
You can support Midsumma by:
- Partnering with a program through sponsorship or strategic investment
- Funding new opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists and creatives
- Making a tax-deductible donation to help Midsumma continue investing in the next generation of artists and cultural leaders
If you'd like to discuss how you or your organisation can support Midsumma's artist development programs, we'd love to hear from you.
Contact:
Josh Hernandez - [email protected]
Partnerships & Fundraising Coordinator
Felicity McIntosh - [email protected]
Head of Marketing, Communications & Partnerships / Deputy CEO
Or make a donation today and help invest in Australia's LGBTQIA+ creative future.
