Melbourne Pride Ensemble

An artist collective inclusive of older members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may experience past or present barriers to social, artistic and queer community practice. The Melbourne Pride Ensemble will be a multi-form arts company exploring, among other disciplines, story-telling, music, theatre, and film providing a platform for older LGBTIA+ artists to gather together, develop skills and build towards public outcomes. Located in the iconic suburb of St Kilda and supported by the City of Port Phillip, The Melbourne Pride Ensemble, led by Director Nicolette Forte, aims to build on the municipality’s demonstrated commitment to LGBTQIA+.

Currently much of the funding support for LGBTIQA+ people is focused on youth. The Melbourne Pride Ensemble wants to shift the focus towards those who have fought and laid the groundwork for today’s queer culture. There is a real need for groups that cater specifically to the older more isolated members of the rainbow tribe. The LBGTQIA+ community and whole community will benefit from this innovative project which seeks to provide high quality arts and cultural participation opportunities for LGBTQIA+ artists at any stage of their career development and those with a diverse experience. The project champions social equality celebrating.