Started up by Sydney’s techno ArtxRave collective, MUVA, this initiative seeks to reinvigorate LGBTQIA+ representation in nightlife and entertainment, connecting queer talent with venues and event promoters.
LGBTQIA+ artists have long played a pivotal role in shaping entertainment culture, yet their presence on stages and behind the decks has waned in recent years. MUVA LAND aims to address this gap by fostering a community that supports and uplifts queer creatives, offering mentoring, networking, and professional opportunities.
The launch event will feature an electrifying lineup of LGBTQIA+ DJs and performance artists, showcasing the richness and diversity of queer artistry. More than just a party, it marks a step toward re-establishing entertainment spaces rooted in equality, creativity, and cultural authenticity.
Here, MUVA LAND Founder Leslie Tiku (Camp Minister) speaks with us about the new initiative and its upcoming launch.
What inspired you to create MUVA LAND, and why is now the right time to launch this initiative?
I was inspired by my own experience as a queer identifying DJ following YourShot DJ competition in 2023, when I didn't have a booking agency to call upon to get my bookings, and from talking with others in the community, I discovered that other LGBTQIA+ DJs and performers were also having trouble getting booked in venues that don't normally cater to LGBTQIA+ performers or do not have a booking agency to use. I strongly believe now is the right time for MUVA LAND in EORA/Sydney, because the 24-hour economy strategic plans can either heighten the exclusion of our LGBTQIA+ community here in EORA/Sydney, with more booking opportunities not coming to our community, or it can be an innovative force for good with MUVA LAND being an agency that venue operators and event producers can use to diversify their programming and allow our creative community to flourish as a consequence of this massive change in nightlife and entertainment.
How does MUVA LAND plan to address the decline in LGBTQIA+ representation in entertainment and nightlife?
As part of our efforts to address the decline in LGBTQIA+ representation in entertainment and nightlife, MUVA LAND will actively engage venue operators and event producers with our vibrant roster of DJs, performers and general creatives, using this partnership to consultatively work with venue operators and event producers to match our creative portfolio to their upcoming events. The plan is to understand their roadmap for the next quarter, and connect them with creatives that would be a perfect fit with what they have in mind. MUVA, as a brand, has already successfully worked with some of these venues and promoters in EORA/Sydney. Starting here, we hope to expand to other venue operators and producers.
What kinds of artists does MUVA LAND represent, and what genres or styles can audiences expect?
MUVA LAND will represent DJs who can play all genres and styles, and as for performance artists, we welcome anyone who can perform in a club, with an emphasis on alternative, kooky, quirky forms of performance art, in part because these forms of performance artistry were part and parcel of underground nightlife, which was the genesis of the nightlife and entertainment spaces we see today, but have seen a major underrepresentation over the years.
Image © Daniel Boud
The launch event at The Abercrombie is part of Sydney Mardi Gras. What can attendees expect from this celebration?
Attendees will be transported to MUVA LAND; see what a venue could look like with more LGBTQIA+ representation behind the decks, on stages, and behind the scenes. All the artists on the launch party line-up identify as LGBTQIA+, and the genres the DJs will be playing at the event are a mix of house, techno, jersey bounce, rave and baile funk, so you'll get variety, which is what MUVA LAND is all about, and lastly, our performers come from a mix of pole, burlesque, drag, and cabaret performances, giving you once again a mixture of performers.
Beyond bookings, how does MUVA LAND support LGBTQIA+ artists in their careers?
A key component of MUVA LAND's support for LGBTQIA+ artists is our digital networking community, private members events, and mentorship opportunities with established artists that MUVA has previously booked, and has a close working relationship with. It is MUVA LAND's goal to provide both support and resources, especially for those just starting out. In addition, we want to provide the opportunity for them to network with others and refine their skills by obtaining guidance from our certified mentors.
Representation in nightlife and entertainment has evolved over the years. What challenges do LGBTQIA+ performers still face today in this industry?
Our research and my own personal experiences have shown a lack of opportunities for LGBTQIA+ performers in nightlife and entertainment spaces that aren't classified as 'LGBTQIA+ venues'. A silo exists where if you identify as XYZ for example, this is the space to flourish as an artist, but the decrease and continued decrease of spaces that we deem as 'LGBTQA+ venues' has led to an increase in spaces being open to all, as long as you follow the rules of the venue, but booking opportunities and diverse programming are not aligned with this idea of this space being a place for all, and with MUVA LAND, we want to change that, by bringing more LGBTQIA+ individuals back into these spaces to take up space.
Image © Daniel Boud
How do you see MUVA LAND growing beyond this launch event? Are there plans for expansion outside of Sydney?
Beyond the launch event, I envision MUVA LAND operating as the go-to booking agency for LGBTQIA+ DJs and performers in Sydney. MUVA LAND's next milestone is to include other forms of creativity that form part of the nightlife and entertainment world, so I'm thinking of door hosts, photographers, graphic designers and videographers. Behind-the-scenes people who determine how an event looks and feels. We also intend to expand outside Sydney, since the problem MUVA LAND seeks to solve is global, so we are hoping to scale up in the future.
Can you share some of the standout performers or moments we can look forward to at the launch. . . Without giving too much away?
Starting with the styling/decor, the venue will be transformed into a boiler room (360) style chromatic wonderland, making for an Instagrammable event. The headliner acid house DJ set by Australian house music legend DAN AZZO, as well as the headlining techno set by Berlin/London DJ Aunty Nora, will definitely be a highlight! There will be six rotating performance artists throughout the night performing freestyle sideshows on the stage during all DJ sets, so anything and everything can happen!
How can venues, promoters, and audiences support MUVA LAND and its mission?
As we currently work on spreading the word about MUVA LAND, we want to find more performance artists and venue operators. Sharing our Instagram (@muvalandhq) content, connecting us to venue operators you know, or connecting us with performance artists who are looking for bookings is a great way to support MUVA LAND. We have an enquiry form on our Linktree for both venue operators and performance artists.
If you could describe MUVA LAND’s vision in one sentence, what would it be?
For venue operators, event producers, and LGBTQIA+ artists, MUVA LAND is the queer culture connector.
The MUVA LAND Launch Party takes place at The Abercrombie (Sydney) on 22 February.
