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Art Exhibition showcases trailblazing local LGBTQIA+ stories – and Union Chapel is asking the public to help soundtrack it!
Union Chapel is celebrating London LGBTQIA+ trailblazers, communities and heritage during Pride Month (June) with Rainbow Streets: Then and Next, an exhibition of student artworks inspired by Islington’s queer history. And they’re inviting the public to co-produce the experience by submitting tracks for a Pride playlist to accompany the display.
The exhibition draws from Union Chapel’s legacy as a beacon of inclusivity in Islington such as hosting same-sex marriages and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights.
Curated in partnership with Islington’s Estorick Collection, the exhibition features work by local students, drawing from Islington Local History Centre’s Pride archive – a treasure trove of flyers, posters, and stories documenting gay rights activism. Estorick’s collaboration with Union Chapel provides an opportunity to engage young people with local history and creative practice.
Learning Officer at Estorick Collection, Luca Nasciuti says,
“As our collection focuses on Italian modern art, this project embodies our commitment to the local community by introducing young people to experimental art practices and techniques represented in our collection that still resonate today. I look forward to seeing how students will respond to our displays in the creation of a new series of works that celebrate young perspectives on the local LGBTQIA+ experience.”
Islington has long been a hub for LGBTQIA+ solidarity. This project revives forgotten narratives like unsung local heroes and groundbreaking organisations, through art, ensuring their legacy lives on. The exhibition aims to honour these individuals for their advocacy, solidarity, inclusivity and cultural contributions.
Archive volunteers are leading the research.
“This project explores and celebrates the rich LGBTQ+ history of Islington, with a particular focus on the power of resistance, solidarity and allyship that continue to resonate today. Learning more about the human stories in these archives and responding creatively offers a meaningful way to connect the past to the present, and to imagine a vibrant, inclusive future.” – Laura, Pride archive research volunteer.
Rainbow Streets – Then and Next, will be on show in Union Chapel’s bar for live show visitors between June 11 and 30. In addition, free ticketed viewings will take place on:
Tuesday, June 17, and June 24 – between 1 – 2 pm.
Pre-booking is required here.
Union Chapel is also inviting local organisations and charities that advocate for LGBTQIA+ equal rights for private viewings on 17 & 24 June 12 pm- 1 pm, you can contact stories@unionchapel.org.uk for availability.
Future Plans:
The Sunday School Stories Project, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and more, will expand with more heritage-led arts projects, partnerships, and community events, making 200+ years of local history more accessible, and inspiring its young community to express these once-lost stories through the arts.
“We are celebrating Islington’s Heritage as a vital part of cultural expression: we aim to emphasise Union Chapel’s ethos as an iconic music and arts hub with a strong sense of community and Social Justice at its heart! Co-producing our heritage activities with new audiences through creative learning is a fantastic way to promote meaningful participation” – Cristina Carrasco, Sunday School Stories Participation Manager.
For more information go to https://unionchapel.org.uk/projects/news-views/sunday-school-stories-rainbow-streets-then-next
Feature Image by Talpa from Pixabay
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