Queer Frontiers returns for its 5th edition in the iconic Walker's Court in London's Soho, open for public view during Pride in London, from June 29 – July 4.
Founded by Artiq in 2018, Queer Frontiers is an exhibition that brings together extraordinary artistic talent and rising stars to raise funds for charities with causes close to the LGBTQ+ community. Since its foundation, the exhibition has raised over £45,000, supporting vital organisations such as Switchboard, Outside In and the Albert Kennedy Trust.
This year's exhibition is titled Queer Myths, Queer Futures and will feature new work by over 20 LGBTQ+ and ally artists alongside a series of limited-edition prints, produced exclusively for the show. Celebrating a vibrant spectrum of queer identities, histories and narratives, the exhibition will present works that reshape the past, challenge the present or envision a new future for the queer community. Exhibiting artists will include Elio Mercer, Mazahir Hussain, Kevin Aanafi-Brown and Olivia Mansfield, with more to be announced.
All artworks are for sale, with proceeds being split between Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit organisation that helps at-risk LGBTQI+ around the world get to safety, and the artists.
This year, the specialist insurance firm and dedicated art supporter, Hiscox, return as a sponsor with support from family-owned property company Soho Estates.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events, including performances and a panel discussion with leading cultural thinkers.
Works available will be priced from £150.00. For more information about the exhibiting artists and exhibition programme, visit artiq.co.
Patrick McCrae, CEO and co-founder of Artiq and Queer Frontiers says:
“We're thrilled to partner with Hiscox again for this year's Queer Frontiers and appreciate their support in showcasing underrepresented artists. We've secured a beautiful space in Walker's Court, courtesy of Soho Estates, and we're confident that this will be our most spectacular year yet! Our goal is to surpass the fundraising achievements we've made in previous years to support Rainbow Railroad, a charity dedicated to protecting our community in regions where oppression is state sponsored.”
Andrew Sellers, Partner at Hiscox says:
“We're thrilled to return as the headline sponsor of Queer Frontiers for the 4th time. Queer Frontiers is an important event to Hiscox, celebrating a new generation of diverse artists while raising money for such a vital cause. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I hope that by supporting Queer Frontiers, we're sending the simple message to all our employees that they're amazing just the way they are.”
Dane Bland, Head of Development at Rainbow Railroad says:
“We're extremely grateful to Queer Frontiers and Artiq for dedicating the proceeds of this year's event to Rainbow Railroad, and to Hiscox and Soho Estates for their sponsorship and support. This year, 10,000 at-risk LGBTQI+ people - or more - will reach out to Rainbow Railroad seeking our assistance, and our mission is simple - do whatever we can to get as many of them to safety as possible. Opportunities like this, that raise both funds and awareness for our mission, are in service of that mission and will help Rainbow Railroad provide the life-saving support needed by so many LGBTQI+ people all around the world.”
Artist credit: Kevin Anaafi-Brown