Meet Ebony - Midsumma's Pathways Coordinator and alumni of the program
Ebony is a non-binary, queer, disabled multidisciplinary artist living and working predominantly on Wurundjeri Land. They have nearly a decade’s experience working in live audio and vision production, and have worked extensively with some of Australia’s most esteemed live performance companies. In addition to their role at Midsumma, Ebony co-runs music festival HOLLER Fest, championing the contributions of women and gender diverse people in the local music industry.
Q: What were you doing before Midsumma?
I work freelance as a multidisciplinary artist; mostly as a sound engineer for live music and theatre, as well as writing for stage and screen, sometimes directing and very rarely performing.
Q: What is the best part of your role at Midsumma?
Getting to work in a small team full of queer, disabled and neurodiverse artists is such a privilege and it feels really incredible to be here.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Ask for what you want, and never be afraid to ask questions.
Q: What drew you to working in the arts industry?
At first I didn’t think I had the capacity to be an artist, but after a few years of wearing several different hats, I realised that the only constant in my life is art. I truly believe that with the right support and determination that people can do the things that they are passionate about. I am grateful to be in a place where I feel supported as an artist and am able to not only work in the arts industry but also work as a practicing artist.
Q: What area of your work are you most passionate about?
I’m really passionate about accessibility in the arts. As a disabled person, it is often up to us to advocate for the support and accessibility we need in order to exist in art spaces. Through this advocacy, I have been fortunate enough to meet a community of disabled artists who constantly inspire, support and advocate with me and for me. In the almost decade I have worked in the arts industry I have seen so much change happen as a direct result of our ongoing activism and I am immensely proud to be here.
Q: What is the future of queer arts and culture?
I think that as a queer community we need to prioritise the voices of queer people of colour, transgender/gender diverse people and queer people with disabilities. I think that we need to acknowledge that there are many ways to be queer, and be able to hold space, support and uplift all queer artists.
Q: What is your must-see production/show/event of the year?
The two things that have resonated with me this year so far have been Set Piece at Meat Market for RISING Festival and also The Picture of Dorian Gray by Sydney Theatre Company. I’m really looking forward to getting out there to see some shows in the Melbourne Fringe 40th Anniversary program.
Find out more about Ebony on their website.
