Media Release - Midsumma kicks off in the west in January

Midsumma Festival is just around the corner!

Midsumma is a cultural festival that celebrates queer artists, culture makers, social transformers and advocates.

Brimbank has collaborated with other western region councils to bring you Midsumma Westside, the best LGBTQIA+ events from Melbourne’s west.

You can join in the Midsumma festival fun in Brimbank this year with four key events:

  1. Fabulous and Impossible Exhibition by Tom Christophersen: The Bowery gallery presents ‘Fabulous & Impossible - The Cult of Leigh Bowery’, an exhibition running from 28 January - 19 March featuring the visual art of Sydney-based queer artist and multidisciplinary pistol-whip Tom Christophersen. ‘Fabulous & Impossible - The Cult of Leigh Bowery’ is for lovers of meticulously made things which glory in the uncomfortable and underground, the shock of the spectacle, and the delicious way the queer community creates art on their own terms from their own lived experiences.
  2. Pride Pool Party: Brimbank City Council, in collaboration with Bulldog Pride, are hosting an LGBTIQA+ inclusive pride pool party at Sunshine Leisure Centre to celebrate the Midsumma Festival. Featuring world renowned Melbourne DJ MzRizk, join us for a day of good vibes and fun in the sunshine on 30 January at an inclusive event for all people and all kinds of bodies.
  3. Entangled by Genevieve Collier: Council proudly presents Genevieve Collier’s art exhibition running from 4 February – 17 March at Hunt Club. This installation is for people whose answers often spurn more questions, who believe in the power of art. It explores forgotten people from the past and the potential of an unknown future.
  4. Impress or Revolt: The Fabulous and Impossible Legacy of Leigh Bowery - 2022 is the five year anniversary of the opening of the Bowery Theatre and Gallery in St Albans. The Bowery Theatre was named after the late artist, Leigh Bowery who grew up in Brimbank. Leigh Bowery was one of the most influential international arts figures of the 80s and 90s. Join us on 4 February as we celebrate the legacy of the inimitable Leigh Bowery with special guests Tom Bowery (father of Leigh) in conversation with Michael Winkler. Featuring a curated performance program by James Welsby, an art exhibition by Tom Christophersen and costumes by Adele Varcoe, Jane Morley and the local community.

For tickets and more information, visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/events or creativebrimbank.com.au/midsumma

Quotes attributed to Brimbank City Council Mayor, Cr Jasmine Nguyen:

“I’m so thrilled that the Midsumma celebration of the broader LGBTQIA+ community is able to return this year.

“2022 is also the five year anniversary of the opening of the Bowery Theatre and Gallery, and St Albans Community Centre (STACC), paying tribute to and honouring the legacy of Leigh Bowery who grew up in Brimbank.

“In partnership with Midsumma Festival and Midsumma Westside, we’re so proud to showcase the arts in Brimbank and the west. I hope you can join in the Midsumma fun this year.”

Last updated: 28 February 2023 - 3:26pm