The Challenge:
Midsumma, an annual LGBTQIA+ arts and culture festival attracting over 250,000 visitors to Victoria, Australia, needed to strengthen its funding position amidst diverse income streams and the need for consistent government grants and partnerships.
Our Approach:
As a board member and strategic advisor, we championed a benchmarking project to compare Midsumma against 12 other local festivals, analyzing costs, event output, and economic value added. This was in addition to leading the annual strategic board planning days.
The Human Impact:
The benchmarking data strengthened grant writing and advocacy efforts with government and partners. This, in turn, helped Midsumma continue to create vital spaces for conversations and supports the intersection of LGBTQIA+ communities with disability advocates, emerging artists, and other important groups, fostering inclusivity and representation.
Capabilities Applied: Critical Thinking & Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment, Facilitation