This is a calling. 
 
A calling to gather in person or online and participate in this global movement. 
 
It is a time to listen deeply, learn, take action, protest and party. 
 
We invite you to participate in a gathering and conversation, celebration and ceremony. 
 
A time to dream. 
Imagine the future we want and demand it. 
For some, a time to step aside, making sure there is an abundance of space for everyone. 
New voices. New dreams. 
A time for new perspectives and possibilities. 
 
Our city will open its arms wide and welcome everyone to be themselves and dream big. 
 
It will be the first WorldPride to be held in the Southern Hemisphere. 
It will be playful and profound. 
An invitation to speak out. 
To look within and be proud. 
 
It is dancing all night. 
It is ripping the wound open. 
It is healing. 
It is a huge exhale of glitter. 
It is non-stop laughter alongside heartbreak and injustice. 
It is about what is possible when we amplify ourselves and each other. 
This is a calling to amplify what is important to you whilst ensuring that others can turn their volumes up. 
When we listen, deeply, what might we hear that we otherwise may not have heard? 

If you’re a community group or a not-for-profit organisation and would like assistance understanding the theme or developing your float concept, please reach out to the Parade team at parade@mardigrasarts.org.au.

Applications must:

• Be submitted by:
  • LGBTQIA+ – Individuals, community groups or organisations primarily involving LGBTQIA+ people. Organisations must be able to prove their main aim is to represent or support the LGBTQIA+ communities. These Applicants must communicate a message relevant to the LGBTQIA+ communities; or
  • Non-LGBTQIA+ – Individuals, community groups or organisations who do not identify as LGBTQIA+ but supports the rights, achievements, culture, and aspirations of the LGBTQIA+ communities. These Applicants must communicate a clear message of support or celebration relating to the LGBTQIA+ communities and must not use an abbreviation of LGBTQIA+. These Applicants must not sell themselves or what they do unless they are directly promoting how they support or celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities.

• Include a detailed creative concept to ensure SGLMG has a clear understanding of the concept, artistic ideas, production values, themes and messaging.

• Include a minimum of two (2) supporting documents to visually communicate the creative concept. Any production designs must include dimensions. Supporting documents includes visual designs of costumes, outfits, props, signage with exact wording, mood board references, participants formation, etc and must include details of the Float Vehicle, if using one.

• Have relevance to the 2023 Festival theme.

• Comply with all T&Cs as outlined by SGLMG.

• Not be discriminatory, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or breach any defamation law. Applications will not be accepted from organisations who have demonstrated any of the above in previous Parades or in their general business.

SGLMG will not accept applications from tobacco companies.

1. Submit your completed Parade Application form online by 2pm Monday 15 August 2022. Our online event management system will require you to create an account in order to submit the form. 

2. The Curatorial Committee, comprised of representatives from both SGLMG and our community, will assess all applications based on the below selection criteria: 

• Meeting the eligibility and conditions of entry.
• Providing a well-designed creative concept.

• Ability to plan and deliver the creative concept safely.
• Benefit and relevance to LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Relevance to the 2023 Festival theme.

Under no circumstances will SGLMG alter or make exceptions to the selection criteria to match an individual Application. 

If SGLMG receives more Applications than the total capacity allows and your Application has met the selection criteria, SGLMG may review your Application based on previous Parade history and support of LGBTQIA+ communities. Additionally, LGBTQIA+ community groups and organisations will receive first preference. SGLMG encourages non-LGBTQIA+ organisations to consider sponsoring or partnering with a LGBTQIA+ organisation for their Parade Entry. 

3. Applicants will be notified electronically on the outcome of their application on Monday 12 September 2022. 

4. To secure placement in the Parade, Successful Applicants must complete the following: 

• Complete payment of the Parade Entry Fee by the Thursday 1 December 2022. 
• Provide any requested information to SGLMG and complete all forms on time (see Key Dates below). 
• Attend the mandatory Parade Entrants Briefing session. 
• Register the full name, phone number, email address and postal code of all individual Participants by Friday 17 February 2023. 

Expectations and Commitments

SGLMG charges a small fee to Entrants to meet a small proportion of the core costs of staging the Parade. Fees are set according to the type and size of group/organisation. Payment is only required for successful applicants. Refer to table below for categories and fees. All prices are in $AUD and include GST.

What SGLMG will do:

• Assess whether an Entrant and their entry aligns to the selection criteria and core values of the Parade and SGLMG.
• Assess an Entrant on their creative concepts and production standard.
• Consult with Entrants to realise their creative potential.
• Work with an Entrant to maximise the impact of their messaging to audiences.
• Work towards delivering a Parade that is designed to inspire, excite and challenge audiences.
• Communicate clearly and apply the same measures and treatment to all entries.
• Identify any elements that may require expert advice.
• Identify any elements detailed that violate the 2023 Parade Entrant Terms and Conditions and provide advice back to the Entrant.
• Respond to queries in a timely manner.

What SGLMG won’t do:

• Censor counter viewpoints.
• Allow illegal activities or ambush marketing.
• Allow messages that discriminate or may cause harm to others.

What SGLMG expects from Entrants:

• Participate and be open to consultation with the SGLMG team.
• Adhere to the 2023 Parade Entrant Terms and Conditions, and any instruction provided before and on Parade day.
• Honour your agreement with us; your parade entry is what was approved on your application.
• Attend mandatory briefings such as the Entrant Briefing.
• To use the available resources to produce a visually enticing entry.
• Businesses and government entries must set a high artistic standard.
• The Parade is a protest and a celebration that is world renowned and belongs to a creative and vibrant community. All Entrants are expected not just to take part, but to contribute to the artistic and political goals of SGLMG and help create an event that is world standard.
• Show respect, listen and follow requests from SGLMG staff and volunteers.