Spotlight on young queer arts and culture at youth pride event

Published on 06 February 2024

The City of Hobart’s Youth Arts and Recreation Centre (Youth ARC) will be bursting with colour this Friday evening as they celebrate TasPride with a showcase of young queer arts and culture.

Welcoming and Inclusive City Portfolio Chair Cr Dr Zelinda Sherlock said the inclusive gathering was open to people of all ages, and promises to be a night filled with creativity, diversity, and fun.

“The curated mix of music, performances, visual arts, projection, food and drinks promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together various forms of artistic expression to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the young LGBTIQA+ community,” said Cr Dr Sherlock (pictured left).

“Attendees are invited to dress up in their ‘fiercest extravaganza’ and Youth ARC provides the perfect place for young people to feel welcome and safe to express themselves.”

Highlighting the evening is the launch of a textile exhibition ‘Pedestrian Life’ by talented young queer artist Caleb Clark.

“I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to display my artworks as part of the YARC Pride event and be a part of an overall celebration of queerness, queer artists and performers,” said Mr Clark (pictured right).

“Queer people have not always been permitted to display their art and be open about their queerness. Even though there is so much more openness now, it is still important for young queer people to see art being created by queer artists.”

The event will feature a range of delicious snacks and mocktails specially designed for the event, a dynamic lineup of local young performers, video projections, and a curated queer soundtrack will provide the perfect backdrop for the evening.

It will also celebrate the launch of a collaborative video project by the City of Hobart, 'Gen-opinion', filmed and edited by young queer artist, Jake Seabourne.

This intergenerational project features insightful conversations with both young and older Hobartians, offering a unique perspective on how times have changed for LGBTIQA+ people in Tasmania.

Cr Dr Sherlock said the City was proud to be hosting such a vibrant and inclusive celebration of TasPride.

“This event not only showcases the incredible talent within the young queer community but also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding,” Cr Dr Sherlock said.

“Pride is an important time for Tasmania’s LGBTIQA+ community and allies to come together to honour our history, appreciate the progress we've made, and look forward to a future of inclusivity, acceptance, and love.”

YARC Pride

Youth Arts and Recreation Centre (1 Market Place, Hobart)

Friday 9 February, 5:30pm-7:30pm

Free event - drug and alcohol free

Pedestrian Life – Caleb Clark exhibition

Youth Arc Gallery 

Exhibition dates: Friday 9 February - Friday 1 March 2024

For more information visit here.