Meet Danae, our Regional Community Engagement Coordinator for Victoria's Pride 2023 with a background in making magic.
Danae (she/her) provides administrative and project coordination support to the community participants of our Regional Activation Program, helping to deliver a series of LGTBQIA+ art and culture projects across rural and regional Victoria for Victoria's Pride 2023.
Q: Describe yourself in three words:
Cheeky, crafty and (ever)changing
Q: What were you doing before Midsumma?
Before Midsumma, I had a career backstage in commercial musical theatre. Most recently, I was working on Harry Potter & the Cursed Child, so I had to trade my wand in for a rainbow flag but I reckon we still make some magic!
Q: What is the best part of your role at Midsumma?
I really love getting to connect with the LGBTQIA+ communities in regional areas of Victoria. They are so often overlooked or hidden, but equally as important as our metro communities. Getting to bring queer events to them feels so special, because I know the tiny Danae that grew up in Albury who have had her little mind blown at some of the things we are doing now.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
If you put yourself out there (whether that be a job application, an invitation or a profession of love) the worst they can say is no and you end up in the exact same place as if you didn’t.
Q: What drew you to working in the arts industry?
I always knew that I’d work in the arts, it was just about working out in what capacity. These days I also don’t feel so tied to the idea that I have to make one decision about that either. I think being a bit of an oddball automatically draws you to the arts, because it’s somewhere you can feel safe and celebrated.
Q: What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?
I am a big crafter, so I really love to just lose myself in making something. Then go and show it off to some friends somewhere outside. With a cocktail. And my dog :)
Q: What’s your life motto?
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon!
Q: What is the future of queer arts and culture?
Hopefully the future is that it doesn’t need to be prefaced by ‘queer’ as though that changes it’s value. I think we are taking steps towards seeing more and more queer art, but I’d love to see it year round not just during a particular week, month or to tick an inclusivity box.
Q: What keeps you awake at night?
Mostly anxiety haha, but I’m actually (slowly) getting better at winding down. A good book and a weighted blanket can do wonders!
Q: What gets you out of bed on a Sunday morning?
Sunshine, a paddleboard date with friends and almost always brunch.
