Midsumma Westside 2027: Expressions of interest

A person working on embellishing a denim jacket with rhinestones. They are surrounded by sewing machines and containers of beads.
 

Expressions of interest for Midsumma Westside 2027 are now closed. 

Midsumma is Australia's premier queer arts and cultural organisation, bringing together a diverse mix of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, communities and audiences. 

Each year Midsumma Westside presents a curated program of events, workshops, exhibitions, talks and experiences, as a collaborative initiative between Councils in Melbourne’s west.

Funding between $500 and $8,000 + GST is available for successful applicants to deliver a project that celebrates LGBTQIA+ community, creativity and connection.

Programs can include (but are not limited to): 

  • Creative workshops 
  • Public or participatory art projects that activate local spaces
  • Creative projects with a public outcome such as an exhibition, installation or performance 
  • Walks, talks or site activations
  • Professional development programs and/or networking projects

Selection criteria

We strongly encourage applications from the following communities: LGBTQIA+, First Nations, people of colour, d/Deaf, people with a disability, neurodivergent, and people from lower income or marginalised backgrounds.

Projects must be delivered within Hobsons Bay, and a maximum of one application can be submitted per applicant.

Applicants must be over the age of 18 at the time of application, and must read the Project Brief(PDF, 208KB) before applying. Expressions of interest are submitted via Smartygrants.

Please note applicants with a connection to Melbourne’s west will receive priority weighting during the selection process.

We are looking for projects that:

  • celebrate the diversity and/or heritage of the LGBTQIA+ community  
  • work in collaboration with local community members and/or organisations
  • demonstrate an ability to engage with diverse and/or under-represented community members 
  • show evidence of previous delivery of self-managed, successful and innovative projects 
  • demonstrate relevance to the community and/or have a public community outcome 
  • are low cost and/or free to attend
  • are accessible to all skill levels and abilities 
     

Get in touch

If you have questions or would like to discuss your project, please contact us via email at arts@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au.

Subscribe to the Creative City e-newsletter for updates on application rounds, events, news and other opportunities, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 
 

Image: Customised Clothing Workshop presented by Aa is for Art, Midsumma Westside 2026. Photo by Matto Lucas

 

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