Self-expression and individual freedom will be on show across Hobsons Bay as part of the Midsumma queer arts and cultural festival.
Hobsons Bay is welcoming a number of events as part of the Midsumma Westside program from Saturday, January 21 to Sunday, February 12.
Hobsons Bay mayor Tony Briffa said the council is excited to welcome a number of events, including exhibitions, workshops, family picnics and the popular Pier Festival at Seaworks.
“I love the diversity of Hobsons Bay and our LGBTQIA+ community is a special part of that,” she said.
“We want everyone in our city to feel welcome and free to live their lives, and that’s what makes celebrating queer art and culture and community so important.”
Some of the highlights of the program include:
* The Manufactured Underwater exhibition by Briony Galligan at Woods Street Arts Space’s Laneway Gallery in Laverton, supported by a workshop at Altona North Library;
* The Queer on Country exhibition by Ngarigu artist Peter Waples-Crowe as part of The Substation’s outdoor Billboard Gallery;
* The Express Yourself exhibition and Rainbow Families & Allies workshop at the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona;
* The Colours of the rainbow, a diverse community exhibition at the Hobsons Bay Civic Centre in Altona;
* The FReeZA open mic night at Newport Community Hub;
* The Rainbow Family Picnic at Newport Community Hub on Saturday, January 28 between 10am and noon; and
* The Pier Festival, which returns to Seaworks in Williamstown on Saturday, January 28 between 5pm and 10pm with headline acts, queer market stalls, art and more.
Cr Briffa said the council is a long-time advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community.
“Back in 2012, we passed a notice of motion supporting marriage equality, and reaffirmed this support in 2017 before the same-sex marriage plebiscite,” she said.
“We have the beautiful rainbow painting on the forecourt of the Altona Theatre that connects so well in our community and we fly the rainbow flags at every important opportunity.
“We are proud of our work in this area, and it is in the spirit of inclusivity and diversity that we proudly support this wonderful program.”
Hobsons Bay council representatives are also planning to participate in the annual Midsumma Pride March on Sunday, February 5.
Midsumma Westside is a collaboration between Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Wyndham councils.
Details: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Community/Events-Festivals/Major-Events-Festivals/Midsumma-Westside
