Summer Work Placement Program 2024/2025
Midsumma Carnival 2024 © Suzanne Phoenix
Midsumma’s Summer Work Placement Program 2024-2025
Positions Open Now!
At Midsumma, we recognise the vital role of practical experience in shaping future careers in the arts and events sectors. We are thrilled to introduce our 2024/2025 Summer Work Placement Program, a unique opportunity for students, graduates, or those seeking a career change to gain hands-on professional experience while contributing to one of Australia’s largest LGBTQIA+ cultural festivals.
Participants will acquire valuable insights into project and program development, community engagement, relationship management, and major event management. By joining our delivery team, you'll gain industry experience and expand your network within the arts and events community. This is a remarkable chance to develop and refine your skills in a vibrant, supportive, and enjoyable professional environment.
Click here to download the full brief and position descriptions.
Enquiries: Please send all enquiries and applications to [email protected]
Deadline: Applications close Monday 2 September at 5 pm
Positions Available and Honorarium:
We are offering short-term, voluntary work placements for both students and non-students in the following areas:
- Marketing and Communications
- Production and Operations
- Programming and Artist Coordination
- Project Management and Major Event Delivery
- Arts Administration Ticketing and Presenter Services
A $500 honorarium will be provided to successful applicants.
Application Process: Please read the individual role descriptions below and apply via email at [email protected] before Monday 2 September at 5 pm.
You can apply for more than one position. Summer Work Placements commence in October 2024 and run until mid-February 2025. Placements are part-time, requiring 2-3 days per week. Start dates and hours are negotiable, but during the festival period, contact hours may increase, and work outside standard business hours will be required.
These roles are suited to:
- Individuals changing careers (at any age)
- University students enrolled in a course
- Anyone returning to the arts/entertainment industry after a break
Requirements: Basic knowledge of, or willingness to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, Dropbox, and Gmail. Some roles may require physical labor and work in an outdoor environment.
For any questions about the program, the roles, or the application process, please email [email protected]
To apply, email [email protected] with:
- A current CV or résumé, with one reference contact.
- A cover letter (max one page) stating the position(s) you are interested in, why you are interested, and what you hope to gain from a work placement with Midsumma.
- Your availability throughout the work placement.
Candidates who identify as living with disability and/or LGBTQIA+ are strongly encouraged to apply. If the online form or email is not accessible to you, you can also apply with any of the following application methods:
- Voice Memo
- Zoom Meeting (in English or Auslan)
- 2-minute video pitch
- Auslan Video
Applications close Monday 2 September at 5 pm
Positions Available
Midsumma Festival is seeking applications for the following positions.
Reports to: Marketing & Communications Manager
Dates: October - February, 2-3 days per week
Roles and experiences:
- Content and Social Media: Develop skills in curating and creating content for Midsumma eNews, website, and social media. It is ideal for those interested in digital communication, growing online communities, and understanding online analytics.
- Marketing & PR: Learn about event cross-promotion, media, and public relations.
Suitable for those interested in copywriting and proofreading. - Design: Assist in delivering creative digital and print assets for the festival. Ideal for those with graphic design or video design and editing skills.
Reports to: Head of Production and Operations
Dates: October - February, 2-3 days per week
Roles and experiences:
- Large-scale Event Management: Assist in planning and delivering major outdoor events.
- Production and Technical Coordination: Learn about supplier and stakeholder coordination, event permits, production schedules, and documentation.
- Pre-production: Assist with artist and technical requirements, scheduling, project management software, compliance, safety documentation, and general administration.
- Event Delivery: Act as a production runner during event setup and takedown. Assist with event signage, green rooms, site offices, and hands-on tasks in a fast-paced festival environment. Learn the role of Assistant Stage Manager at the Midsumma Festival Launch.
Reports to: Program Manager and Artist Development Manager
Dates: October - February, 2-3 days per week
Roles and experiences:
- Programming and Coordination: Help engage and coordinate artists for Midsumma’s large-scale outdoor events, Midsumma Carnival and Midsumma Pride March.
- Midsumma Presents Artist Coordination: Help coordinate events produced or presented by Midsumma, including theatre, visual arts, launches, and opening nights.
Reports to: Project and Program Manager - Victoria’s Pride
Dates: October - February, 2-3 days per week, with additional availability during the festival
Roles and experiences:
- Programming and Artist Coordination: Assist with program and content development for a major outdoor event, focusing on Midsumma-commissioned projects and artistic collaborations.
- Community Engagement and Accessibility: Participate in planning and implementing community engagement activities related to event development, participation, and inclusivity.
- Project Coordination: Assist with project logistics, artist management, communications, scheduling, contracting, budgeting, research, and practical delivery.
Reports to: Ticketing & Presenter Services and Finance and Administration Managers
Dates: October - February, 2-3 days per week
This hybrid role provides experience across two key departments:
Arts Administration / Arts Management
- Assist with administrative tasks and support operational staff during a busy cultural festival.
- Gain experience with registrations and EOI (Expression of Interest) processes.
- Support day-to-day operations and handle enquiries, developing customer service and relationship management skills.
- Learn about basic computer applications commonly utilised in arts management and, more broadly, in administration.
Ticketing and Presenter Services
- Receive training in multiple arts management software used at large-scale festivals, including Eventotron, Red61, Campaign Monitor, and Microsoft Office.
- Assist with event registrations using Eventotron.
- Help with proofreading and content creation for the festival’s program and assets.
- Communicate with event producers and venues, responding to enquiries.
- Assist in planning content for the Producer Updates newsletter.
- Help prepare resources for producers.
- Assist with preparing assets for event ticketing builds using Midsumma Festival’s ticketing system Red61.
- Process ticket bookings and handle access enquiries via email and phone.
- Pull reports from the ticketing system.
- Analyse sales data to identify patterns and trends.
Please subscribe to our eNews to be kept up to date with all other opportunities.
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