Meet Kooky Kat - Midsumma's Administration / Stalls and Vendor Coordinator
If you've emailed Midsumma with your general queries, chances are you've already had a chat with Kat (virtually of course). From being a TV child actor in Europe, to having a journalism degree up her sleeve, Kat is full of surprises. With a self-described ability to read news in expired milk, it's no wonder she is our back-to-back trivia champ at Midsumma.
This month, we introduce Kat, our Administration/Stalls and Vendor Coordinator.
Q: Describe yourself in three words: Tofu cube enthusiast.
Q: What were you doing before Midsumma?
I have done (and do!) all sorts of things. Before I joined the team at Midsumma I was working in medical administration, as well as theatre production at Melbourne Theatre Company. At the same time. Millennials, am I right? I’ve done some writing, copywriting, market research, and the usual stint in hospitality. As a child back in Europe, I appeared in a television show that aimed to teach kids English. Sometime before that I was a baby, a time during which I was not engaged in any formal employment.
Q: What drew you to working in the arts industry?
I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t in the arts world. I love it with my whole heart. My mother has worked in the theatre industry my whole life, and I spent my childhood backstage at various theatres. When I was a child, she would bring me to the opera and ballet theatre where she worked and sit me in the auditorium to watch three hour operas to keep me out of trouble. Hot tip: If we are ever in a situation where I am pursuing you and you need to escape, just play any aria from ‘Tosca’. I will immediately stop in order to close my eyes and vibe to it.
After I finished my journalism degree (I wanted to study creative writing but was told by five hundred people that I won’t make money that way) I struggled finding a space that I felt I belonged in. I realised that arts is one of the only things I have genuine passion for, and refocused all my efforts into professionally establishing myself in the industry.
Q: What is the best part of your role at Midsumma?
The best part of my role at Midsumma is knowing that I’m part of a team working on something meaningful. Contrary to the rumours, the arts are integral to a healthy society. Without the arts we would wither like a bouquet of roses abandoned in a bin at the train station, the wind from the oncoming train blowing through our shriveled leaves. The arts have also historically been the stomping grounds of LGBTQ folks of all varieties, and I love that Midsumma’s focus is on spotlighting voices that are often marginalised in mainstream society.
I have quite high energy levels and can’t sit still (both physically and metaphorically), so I enjoy the variety of administrative projects that need to be tackled at any given time at Midsumma. As well as general administration, my role deals with the organisation of stalls and vendors for the annual Carnival and Pride March, and I’ve been really enjoying putting the pieces together of what these events will look like in the upcoming festival. These are very much community events that emphasise togetherness, inclusion, and fun, and I enjoy the aspect of my role that deals with networking within the Melbourne arts and queer scenes. I look forward to communicating more closely with the participants of these events to help guide them into having the best experience possible!
Q: Where is your favourite place in the world?
I’ve been to many beautiful and interesting places around the world, but the number one in my heart is always going to be Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. It’s where I’m from and where I spent my childhood, and there’s no place like it.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“You better keep moving”. I’m going to be honest - this advice is courtesy of a talking crow I saw in a dream once. But it’s solid advice though, isn’t it? Applicable to many situations.
Q: If you could change or fix one thing about the world, with the click of your fingers, what would it be?
I’ve already done it. Go outside and look. I’ve had to erase your memory of how things used to be, however. Trust me, it may not look like it, but this is better. You’re welcome.
Q: Where do you get your news?
I get my news from prophetic visions I experience after drinking expired milk.
