Midsumma 2025: QRAVE

Presented by internationally renowned artiste, journalist and storyteller Jessi Ryan, SISSY!, Abbotsford Convent and Midsumma Festival — QRAVE is an epic double bill scratching at the surface of queer histories.

Part exhibition, part performance, this is the amalgamation of a research project uncovering  community histories which have and continue to emanate from The City Of Yarra and Birrarung Marr.

Drawing on themes of activism, struggle and pride, QRAVE has been created from eight unique stories and aural history that both inspire and pull on the heart strings in equal measure — Local Blak Queer history, community elders, HIV activists, surviving relatives, artists and writers all feature.

The Exhibition

Immerse yourself in a combination of storytelling, electrifying nightlife beats, and striking graphics creating a dynamic space for reflection, connection, and fresh perspectives!

29 Jan – 8 Feb
Week One: 29 – 31 Jan, 12pm – 8pm; Sat 1 Feb, 12pm – 11pm
Week Two: 4 – 8 Feb, 12pm – 8pm
FREE

Please note this exhibition contains references to sexual assault, HIV, hate speech, suicide, death, trauma and missing persons.

The Performance

This performance passionately recounts moving stories which blur the boundaries between embodied performance and graphic installation, holding space for intimate reflection and the forging of brave new connections.

About

Jessi Ryan

As a journalist, Ryan most recently has been published by Crikey and ArtsHub. QRAVE, in both its exhibition and performance, draws upon their extensive history of published articles and interviews.

Accessibility

The Store is wheelchair accessible.

This project is supported by Abbotsford Convent, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, the City of Yarra and Midsumma Festival.