Illawarra Pride Art Festival showcases queer community

Twenty-three artists with a mix of experience and backgrounds will have their work displayed when the fifth Pride Art Festival opens in Wollongong on Friday.

Organiser Eren Maltby said the exhibition's aim was to give a platform for members of our rainbow community to express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment.

"Our exhibition is an artistic celebration of the local LGBTQIA+SB community," they said. "Starting a conversation and allowing people to gain visibility and feel accepted is integral. Our artists use their work to explore gender, sexuality and belonging in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+SB community."

Volunteers installed the works earlier in the week and opened doors to the public on Wednesday.

Eren and colleague Monisha Kumar have curated and organised the festival for five years, and Eren said it's a labour of love every time.

"It is a celebration of our community by our community," they said. "Monisha and I pour countless hours into this exhibition, it has grown so much since its inception.

"This year we have 23 artists involved, with a wide range of experience, some are emerging artists exhibiting for the first time and some are seasoned pros. The exhibition is open to anyone within the LGBTQIA+SB community no matter their skill levels or what story they have to share.

"Project Contemporary Artspace has been running for 30 years; we are a non profit, artist run space that encourages people of all abilities to get involved in the local creative community."

An extravagant night of art and drag will punctuate the event on Friday, hosted by Illawarra artists Sinn Vicious and Fancy, who was last week named as co-host of the upcoming Drag Race South Coast along with King Magnus. Proceedings will also feature Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir. Entry is free.

Works will be on display until June 14, and the festival includes a zine workshop on June 7 and a queer life drawing session (18+) on June 10. A pride market day on June 13 will feature 19 stallholders selling handmade wares from 10am.

More details on Facebook.