RMIT University has officially become a Major Partner of the Midsumma Festival, Australia’s leading LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural celebration, as it commemorates three decades of the Midsumma Pride March. This partnership not only highlights RMIT’s commitment to diversity and inclusion but also aims to deepen existing connections with the festival to foster collaboration in various fields such as digital design, fashion, media, research, and community engagement.
Through this new partnership, RMIT will actively contribute to festival programming, design and media projects, and student placements. These initiatives align with the shared values of both organizations, which emphasize inclusion, innovation, and community impact. Attendees can look forward to experiencing RMIT-led activations throughout the festival, enhancing the overall celebration.
Enhancing Inclusivity and Community Engagement
RMIT has received the prestigious SAGE Cygnet Award for the third time, recognizing its efforts to create a safer and more inclusive environment for its diverse community. This commitment is embedded in RMIT’s flagship IDEA framework, which focuses on principles of inclusion and accessibility. The framework aims to improve recruitment, student experience, and outcomes for individuals with varied identities.
The initiative has been co-designed with the input of LGBTIQA+ students and staff from RMIT, as well as the broader community. It supports several important policies, including gender affirmation practices, access to all-gender toilets, and the establishment of pride networks for both staff and students. Additionally, RMIT is leading impactful research through its new School of Law, which focuses on reparations for LGBTQIA+ hate crimes in Victoria.
Upcoming Festival Dates and Activities
The Midsumma Festival, now in its 30th year, will run from January 18 to February 8, 2026. This premier cultural event showcases queer arts and culture through more than 200 events across over 160 venues in Victoria, attracting an annual attendance of over 300,000 people.
Mish Eastman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Vocational Education and Vice-President at RMIT, expressed excitement about the new partnership. “RMIT is proud to stand with our rainbow community as Midsumma’s new Major Partner,” Eastman stated. “Our university community is proudly diverse, built on inclusion, creativity, and cultural leadership. This partnership allows us to champion LGBTQIA+ communities while providing hands-on opportunities for our students across multiple disciplines. We’re excited to help bring the 2026 Festival to life.”
The collaboration between RMIT and Midsumma Festival not only underscores the importance of inclusivity but also serves as a platform for future generations to engage with and celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture. As the festival prepares to welcome attendees, the partnership promises to enhance the vibrancy and spirit of pride within the community.
