RISE in PRIDE (Rising Innovators, Storytelling and Events in Pride) is an expanded initiative fostering LGBTIQA+ creative leadership in storytelling, production, and the arts. Building on the successful Telling it with Pride Speakers Program (TiPS) and the Emerging Producers Initiative (EPI), this program creates an ecosystem of graduates who return as mentors and facilitators, strengthening ...
Victorian Pride Centre
Rise in PRIDE – (Rising Innovators in Storytelling and Events in Pride)
GOAL
$575,000
Australia > VIC > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Arts and culture
- Community and economic development
Target Population
- LGBTQIA+ people
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Victorian Pride Centre
The Victorian Pride Centre (VPC) is Australia’s first and only purpose-built hub for LGBTIQ+ communities, providing a safe, inclusive, and vibrant space for connection, advocacy, and cultural expression. Located in St Kilda, the VPC serves as a home to ten resident organizations, including Switchboard Victoria, Thorne Harbour Health, and JOY Media, supporting vital services in mental health, legal aid, and community broadcasting.
Since opening in 2021, the Centre has become a key destination for events, exhibitions, and programs that celebrate LGBTIQ+ history, arts, and culture. The VPC hosts over 80,000 visitors annually, offering dynamic public spaces such as the Pride Gallery, theatrette, rooftop terrace, and co-working facilities. Our events calendar includes major activations like Midsumma Festival, Melbourne Pride, and IDAHOBIT, ensuring ongoing community engagement and visibility.
Beyond physical space, the VPC actively fosters leadership, social inclusion, and wellbeing through initiatives like the TiPS Storytelling Program, Pride in Ageing programs, and strategic partnerships with businesses and community groups.
Funding support will enable the VPC to expand its impact, ensuring ongoing accessibility, sustainability, and program development that empower diverse LGBTIQ+ communities. With growing demand for our spaces and services, investment will directly contribute to the Centre’s mission to connect, support, and amplify voices across Victoria and beyond.
As a landmark institution dedicated to equality and belonging, the Victorian Pride Centre is more than a building—it is a beacon of pride, resilience, and celebration for generations to come.
Project Summary
RISE in PRIDE (Rising Innovators, Storytelling and Events in Pride) is an expanded initiative fostering LGBTIQA+ creative leadership in storytelling, production, and the arts. Building on the successful Telling it with Pride Speakers Program (TiPS) and the Emerging Producers Initiative (EPI), this program creates an ecosystem of graduates who return as mentors and facilitators, strengthening the sector over time.
Each year, we introduce new creative disciplines, fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations and building a sustainable pipeline of LGBTIQA+ talent.
Project Outcomes
Goals and Outcomes:
- Empower 10–15 storytellers and 10–15 producers annually.
- Deliver 1–4 showcase events, amplifying LGBTIQA+ voices and visibility.
- Expand the Speakers Bureau Directory and develop a Producers Directory to connect participants with professional opportunities.
Evaluation Methods:
- Participation metrics and surveys.
- Stakeholder feedback from events.
- Advisory focus groups to refine program delivery
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $575,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $575,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Event costs | $575,000 |
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