Queer Myths, Queer Futures

About

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. Queer Myths, Queer Futures brings together artists whose practices are inspired by classical mythology or folklore, who draws on contemporary myth-making or politics, or who explores an artistic vision of what queer could mean in the future. 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.  

Rainbow Railroad was founded in 2006, with the aim of helping at-risk LGBTQI+ around the world get to safety. The organization's core Emergency Travel Support program provides vital support to LGBTQI+ people facing an immediate threat to their lives and helps to identify a pathway out of their current location to a new country where they can safely resettle and live openly without fear. In addition, Rainbow Railroad provides information and resources, coordinates referrals to local refugee and LGBTQI organizations, and provides short term financial assistance. 

This year, the specialist insurance firm and dedicated art supporter, Hiscox, return as a sponsor. Hiscox is a specialist insurance firm that has built a market-leading reputation over the years through its commitment to its clients and superior services that promise expertise, efficiency, empathy and fairness.  With 3,000 staff across 14 countries and 35 offices, art is an integral part of the culture at Hiscox. In addition to collecting art by living artists that hang on the walls of their offices for the viewing pleasure of their employees, Hiscox also sponsors public exhibitions and college prices, including Artiq's Graduate Art Prize and Queer Frontiers, extending their impact and support to new generations of emerging artists.  

The exhibition is also supported by Soho Estates, a family-owned property company with holdings across large parts of Soho that have supported Artiq's presence in Soho since its inception. This partnership is a result of Artiq and Soho Estates working closely together over the years to provide inclusive spaces for creativity. 

Soho Estates tenants reflect the vibrant mix found in London's creative heart, including restaurants, bars and clubs, hotels, cinemas and theatres, independent retailers, residential flats and offices. Their objective is to enhance and add value to existing stock through careful restoration and redevelopment in keeping with the area. 

The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events, including performances and a panel talk on July 4. It will be a captivating discussion on the intersection of queer identities, mythology, and contemporary art. Our speakers, including Sacha Coward, Dominic Lauren, Mazahir Hussain, Shane Sutherland, and Olivia Mansfield, will share their insights and artistic practices. The event is free to attend, but you’ll need to RSVP here. 

Works available will be priced from £150.00. For more information about the exhibiting artists and exhibition programme, visit artiq.co