Regional Activation Program - Victoria's Pride

Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation, 'Sounds Gay I'm in' Picnic 2024

Victoria's Pride Regional Activation Program 2024/2025

Victoria's Pride is a landmark program of pride events and projects that takes place in Victoria each year, providing an opportunity for people across the state to demonstrate their pride in, and support for, LGBTQIA+ communities.

As a state government initiative delivered by Midsumma, Victoria's Pride includes the Regional Activation Program (RAP), which supports arts, events, and cultural projects run by community groups, artists, and organisations to enhance the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in regional areas.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a wide range of regional projects, including commissioned artworks, documented community stories, and exhibitions, to ensure statewide representation and engagement leading up to, or on, 9 February 2025.

Read on for details on how to apply.

 

Key Information

Application form:       https://form.jotform.com/241498124450051

Applications open:      5:00pm, 4 June 2024 (AEST)

Applications close:     11:59pm, 6 August 2024 (AEST)

Outcome notification: By 30 August 2024

Eligible project dates: Between 1 November 2024 and 9 February 2025.

Support available:       up to $10,000 (ex GST) – larger amounts require pre-approval

Enquiries:                    [email protected]

Example Form:            Download here

 

Who can apply?

  • Not-for-profit incorporated groups
  • Individuals (independent or auspiced)
  • First Nations, gender diverse, culturally diverse individuals, women, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • LGBTQIA+ community, individuals and/or artist, not-for-profit, or social enterprise.
  • Current Australian Business Number (ABN).
  • $10 million Public Liability Insurance.
  • or have an auspice arrangement that provides the above support
  • No overdue deliverables from previous interactions with Midsumma and/or Victoria’s Pride.

 

When to apply?

Before 11:59pm, 6 August 2024 (AEST)

 

How to apply?

Submit your EOI proposal through the form at the end of this page.

If you would like to apply and the online form below is not accessible to you, you can apply by emailing [email protected] with any of the following application methods:

  • Voice Memo
  • Email your answers
  • Zoom Meeting (in English or Auslan)
  • 2-minute video pitch
  • Auslan Video

 

Project Proposals

We seek diverse regional projects, including:

  • Commissioned artworks
  • Documentaries, Podcasts and other video or audio projects
  • Books, Magazine and other physical published works
  • Celebrations, Performance and Events
  • Documented community stories
  • Historical collections or exhibitions
  • and many other projects...

See some examples of previous projects >>

 

Support available

Support available up to $10,000 (ex. GST)

a limited number of projects up to $15k may be considered – please contact to discuss in advance

 

Program Objectives

The Regional Activation Program supports projects by community groups, artists, and organisations that enhance the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in regional areas through arts, events, and cultural activities celebrating Victoria's diverse LGBTQIA+ Pride statewide.

Projects must align with one or more objectives:

  • Highlight LGBTQIA+ challenges and opportunities.
  • Showcase regional LGBTQIA+ artists.
  • Capture LGBTQIA+ voices and stories.
  • Celebrate or commemorate LGBTQIA+ moments.
  • Enable regional LGBTQIA+ participation in Victoria’s Pride celebrations.
  • Promote inclusion across cultures and generations.
  • Applicants are also encouraged to consider accessibility in order to facilitate true multi-generational and intersectional inclusion through celebration and/or reflection.

Metro applicants must bring their touring projects or engagement activities to multiple regional communities and be open to negotiating locations to include underserved areas.

 

Projects must be delivered in Regional, Remote, or Rural Victoria on or before Sunday 9 February 2025.


Need More Information?

Attend one of our info sessions which will include general information, program direction, FAQ's, best practice access and inclusion presentation and Q&A.

  • INFORMATION SESSION #1 
    Tuesday 18th June, 2024 @ 5:30pm (Auslan Interpreted)
  • INFORMATION SESSION #2 
    Friday 12th July, 2024 @ 10:30am (Auslan Interpreted)

Register your interest/attendance and receive a zoom link at [email protected] 

Or watch this video
 

 

 

[ APPLY HERE ]

 

 

Guidelines

Step 1 - Read the Guidelines, FAQs  to ensure your organisation and project are eligible.

Step 2- Consider the assessment criteria in terms of your project.

Step 3 – Attend an information session on Tuesday, 18 June 2024 or Friday, 12 July 2024.

Step 4 - If you would like to discuss your application, email [email protected]

Step 5 – Seek agreements with participants, request support letters and make arrangements with Auspicing bodies if required

Step 6 - Submit your application by 11.59pm Tuesday 6th August 2024 via the online form at the end of this page

 

Midsumma Community Engagement Manager – [email protected] or on 03 9296 6600

If you have a concept or idea that falls slightly outside of the scope but you believe it to be a meaningful contribution to an event like Victoria’s Pride, please get in touch.

Midsumma seeks to continue to improve the representation and diversity of its Regional Activation Program, and strongly encourages applications from First Nations, gender diverse, and culturally diverse people, as well as a stronger representation of women and people with a disability. Please let us know if there is additional support you need to enquire about the program or to consider submitting your application.

 

  • Delivery of a new or developed event or community engagement activity showcasing your community and its unique pride history, stories and/or experiences.
  • Creation of an artwork, digital masterpiece or installation highlighting yours or your community’s unique history and relationship with Pride
  • The capture, recording or publication of a story, interview, performance or podcast. Recognising the value and importance of creating permanent and tenable records of LGBTQIA+ history.

Successful applicants must complete or deliver their projects on or before Sunday 9 February 2025 as part of the state-wide Victoria's Pride project, when a major street party will occur in Fitzroy/Collingwood on the final day of Midsumma Festival 2025.

Metro applicants must take their touring project or engagement activity to multiple regional communities and be open to negotiations regarding location to ensure currently underserved communities are included.

 

  • Personal living expenses
  • Replication of previous events with no explanation of growth, refinement or responding to community feedback
  • Expenses not related to the activity outlined in application
  • Activities not directly related to or supporting an LGBTQIA+ activity or engagement
  • Activities conducted outside Regional and/or Remote Victoria
  • Retrospective funding for activities that have already started or have been completed
  • Rainbow Tick accreditation or LGBTQIA+ competency activities
  • Competitions, commercial (for-profit) or direct fundraising activities or events
  • Direct lobbying or activities that promote or are held for party political purpose
  • Permanent or contracted staff positions or administrative costs for business-as-usual activities
  • Capital expenditure (including construction/capital works, refurbishment and renovations)
  • Costs incurred in the preparation of a grant application or related documentation
  • Debt repayments

 

Download an example PDF of the application form >>

  • What are you going to do and who in the LGBTQIA+ community will your project involve? How many people will actively participate?

    Midsumma champions intersectionality and multi-generational projects. Are you targeting one particular section? Are you looking at intersectionalities?

  • How does your project, event, or outcome respond to the theme of “What does Pride mean to you?” or give safe spaces for others to express or explore “What Pride means to them?”

    This could be as an individual or as a community.

  • Describe how your project will foster enduring understanding, partnerships, and collaboration across organisations and collectives within your community.

    Will you partner with other LGBTQIA+ or allied organisations? Will partnerships or collaborations involve donations or in-kind support to enhance your project?

  • How can your project have a lasting outcome?

    This could be a physical sculpture or art piece, a book, video, audio recording, or photographs. Or this could be establishing a recurring engagement opportunity.

  • What elements of accessibility will be included in your planning?

    Will your live or broadcast event have an Auslan interpreter? Will your performance be audio described? Will you make accommodations for those with physical access requirements? Will your event be free to attend?

  • How will you measure success?

    What does success look like for your project? Will you be seeking survey responses and anecdotal feedback from participants?

  • Have you thought about how your project and community could interact with Victoria’s Pride Street Party?

    There may be an opportunity to take part in the program's closing event - Victoria's Pride Street Party, which takes place in Melbourne's inner north. Participation could include an exhibition, a stage or street performance, collaboration with a local business, operation of a market stall, or attendance through hired transport to bring your community to the event.

 

  1. 2 x support letters from other members of your community(s)

  2. A project budget (no more than one page – see example/template here). This budget must be excluding GST

  3. Links to photos, websites or videos of similar projects, mood board or other support material 

 

Of the Successful Applicant

  • Full Coordination of the event, activity or outcome
  • Communication and permission sought for significant project changes or adaptations
  • Adequate record keeping
  • Attendance of ALL RAP Catch Ups in lieu of legitimate apology
  • Delivery of a financial acquittal and written reflection no later than 14 days after your event, activity or outcome has concluded.
  • Completed survey response and acquittal requirement

Of the Midsumma Regional Activation Program

  • Providing agreed to funds
  • Providing Event branded marketing materials for your use
  • Some support to assist in communication and connections between community
  • Including your event, activity or outcome on our Midsumma website where appropriate
  • Check-ins throughout process to offer logistical support or project management guidance
  • Hosting of regular online networking events for the successful applicants

 

All applications must be submitted online, unless an alternative process has been approved with the Midsumma Community Engagement Manager, prior to the application closing date.

Final applications will be accepted until 11:59pm, 6th August 2024. These applications will then be reviewed by a panel of staff at Midsumma Festival and graded based on the above criteria.

Feedback may be provided to applicants upon request.

If you need assistance in completing this application or require information in a different format, please contact [email protected] or call 03 9296 6600.

 

Victoria's Pride and Midsumma collect your personal information in order to fulfill your application for this grant, including contacting you if successful.

See a copy of Midsumma Festival’s privacy statement >>

 

All applicants will be considered within the framework of the Program Objectives and without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ability or age. We encourage applications from all who are eligible within our diverse community.

 

If you would like any assistance please contact our Community Engagement Manager – [email protected] or on 03 9296 6600

 

Logo of Victorian State Government Logo of Midsumma Festival

 

 

Victoria's Pride Street Party

Sunday 9 February 2025

Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Streets is transformed into an extravagant street party – with two live music stages and performances from musicians and artists – to celebrate Victoria’s diverse LGBTQIA+ communities.

What is Victoria's Pride?

A landmark program of pride events and projects held in summer as part of a statewide celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities. Victoria’s Pride (previously Melbourne Pride) is held across the state from December to February, with events in regional and rural areas. The tour of state-wide events culminates into a full-day and night street party in Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Street precinct one week after the annual Midsumma Pride March.

The 2024 Story of Victoria's Pride

Victoria’s Pride kicks off in November with a series of regional activities, culminating in the one-day Victoria's Pride Street Party in Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Street precinct on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people, from 11am to 9pm as the closing event of Midsumma Festival.

See a synopsis of the 2024 Victoria's Pride projects around Victoria >>

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