Get ready to mark your calendars because on Wednesday, February 28th, the crowd-favorite Queer Art After Hours event is set to make a vibrant return to the Art Gallery of New South Wales. This year’s edition promises an exciting lineup that has just been unveiled, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!
Renowned as one of the most eagerly anticipated annual events at the Art Gallery, Queer Art After Hours has continually stood out as a highlight among the free offerings of the Mardi Gras festival. It serves as a powerful platform for LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and storytellers, bringing the community together for a night of celebration that honors diversity, resilience, and creativity within the Queer community. In light of the recent cancellation of Fair Day, this year’s Queer Art After Hours aims to keep the party vibes alive with a spectacular FREE offering.
Visitors can look forward to a kaleidoscope of interactive pop-up performances, installations, workshops, and DJ sets, all while embarking on their own unique art adventure exploring the exhibitions and collections on this unforgettable evening.
The 2024 lineup is nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a diverse range of experiences. From the thought-provoking video and spoken word installation “Queers as in Crip” to performances delving into butch and leather culture in “Dyke Vignettes,” the stage will come alive with fierce and fabulous drag performances by Miss First Nations queens Nova Gina, Josie Baker, and Shaniqua Empirè. Additionally, visitors can expect a captivating performance inspired by the occasional presence of pigeons in the Art Gallery, a celebration of diverse bodies in “Lap Dance for Your Rights,” and more. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can partake in origami card-making, visit a queer youth space co-hosted by Twenty10 and the Art Gallery’s Youth Collective, engage in a hand-voguing workshop, and enjoy cinematic showcases throughout the night.
To enhance the evening, a delightful array of food and drink options will be available through pop-up bars, complementing the offerings from the Art Gallery’s existing restaurants and cafes. Visitors can also seize the opportunity to explore the major ticketed exhibitions “Kandinsky” and “Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day?” to enrich their colorful queer art experience.
This year’s Queer Art After Hours will unfold across both the Art Gallery’s North and South buildings and is presented in collaboration with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The program has been co-created with esteemed community members Dennis Golding, Riana Head-Toussaint, Megan Holloway, and Ripley Kavara.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024
- Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales, North and South Buildings
So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready to immerse yourself in a night of vibrant art, captivating performances, and a celebration of diversity and creativity at Queer Art After Hours 2024 – presented with Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras!