Midsumma Westside 2027: Expressions of Interest

Hobsons Bay City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from artists, creatives and local community groups to deliver projects as part of the 2027 Midsumma Westside program, running from 17 January to 7 February 2027. 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. 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 How to apply Applicants must be over the age of 18 at the time of application. Please ensure you have read the Project Brief (PDF, 208KB) prior to applying. Expressions of Interest can be submitted via Smartygrants until 3pm, Friday 10 July 2026.