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 Midsumma board member Kylie Bartel – spoken word performer and self-confessed creative artistic kooky femme – tells Jacqui Walker what’s hot about Midsumma 2009 for lesbians.
What does Midsumma mean to you?
Fun, energy, ideas and chaos… oops, well it is! But it’s also one of those things that makes me relieved I’m queer – three and a bit weeks of events,
art and theatre productions and music. Midsumma reflects back at me how OK and normal the way I choose to live is. It’s great to be in a theatre or comedy show and the queer audience groans in unison at something they get.
How did you come to be on the board of Midsumma and responsible for
its programming?
Two years ago my partner and I moved from Adelaide where we were both involved in FEAST. When I arrived [in Melbourne] I knew it was important to get involved with something to connect with the community. The need to fit in boxes dissipates when you are working towards something positive like a festival.
Is it getting harder to define GLBTI culture as GLBTI people gain acceptance in the mainstream community?
In 2009, Midsumma has a new visual identity, a refreshed logo and new tag-line "celebrating queer culture", reflecting our desire to keep Midsumma inclusive and reflective of our broad, diverse community.
This past year we have done surveys and had a lot of discussion around changing how the festival identifies itself as a response to this issue, which was raised by all the other letters of the alphabet not represented by G and L. How amazing to be a part of what some say is a long overdue change.
How does this affect programming for the festival?
It is run by the community for the community – it’s a woven tapestry each and every year. The program creates itself and at times you just take a chance on performers and events. Last year, I had an entry in the poetry slam that looked like the ramblings of someone on the edge, but I was curious. I wanted to know what it would be on the night – it ended up being one of the winners.
How is Midsumma good for the lesbian community?
The lesbian community in Melbourne is as diverse as any other community, so the range of events in Midsumma spans Girls Kick Balls, Upstart Alley
Gendermash, Sweet Deliverance, Tuff Muff, Pinkalicous, Blonde on the Bay, and Ladytrix.
Although there are obviously lesbian events, the community, as it matures, is more complex, exploring our changing identity and not connecting based on sexuality alone. The program is blurring gender norms and embracing the texture of who we are… and I love it.
What does Midsumma mean for local female artists?
Exposure in a local and interstate arena, and an opportunity to strut their stuff. We have some great women in this year’s program: Rachael Simpson, Bridgette Lewis, Jo Harrison, Kelly Manning, Lock Morley, J. Kristensen, Andrea Van Steen, Bridie Lonney and Mia Mala McDonald – the girls are a force to be reckoned with.
Is it important to find artists who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or intersex for the festival?
Yes, I think it is one of the aims of Midsumma to showcase queer talent, giving audiences access to the rich diversity of our community of artists. We also aim to provide a platform for emerging artists through community events and cultural development projects.
Is that difficult?
No! Midsumma is celebrating 21 years and has established itself as an arts and cultural festival. And let's face it, you can’t take the queer out of the arts.
What will be special about Midsumma 2009? What events are you most excited about?
Well of course, we are 21 years old and it is time to celebrate queer culture in high camp style, so Carnival Day has to be it for me. Then Pink Shorts is one that was great last year and is back as a premier event this time. 21@21 Easey St – 21 lesbian artists sounds great: girls en masse. I am also looking forward to Libby Donovan in The story of Meredith Crocksley – she is a power house diva in the FEAST line up. Hmm, then Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School sounds a little kinky.
Oh God, all I can say is, I am so excited that you will see me at everything I can manage.
Midsumma Melbourne Festival January 18 – February 8 2009. www.midsumma.org.au
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