There's Something Queer About this Art exhibition will be at Circle Space, St Augustines Street, from 20th July to 1 August. Part of the Norwich Pride Inspired series of events, the exhibition is curated by Norwich artist, Rachel Collier-Wilson. Rachel says:

"I wanted to create a space for LGBTQI+ identifying artists to exhibit their work and run small workshops. The exhibition includes a variety of media, styles and themes which, combined with the varied backgrounds and experiences of the artists, gives the viewers a look into this rich, diverse, creative community. Whatever the subject, it will be fabulous and we can’t wait to share it with Norwich."

Rachel contacted the Circle Space Gallery to book a week-long exhibition and the gallery decided not only to support the initiative, but to provide an extra week in the price. Vicki Johnson, gallery owner and Meredith Adams, gallery manager said:

“We want to go big on the community feel for this year's Pride as Norwich and the LGBTQI+ community could always use that little bit of extra community love.

The idea behind ‘There's Something Queer About This Art’ is to showcase art by Norfolk queer artists. The subject matter doesn't necessarily represent queerness, it just happens to be that the artists are LGBTQI+. Some art will represent identity, love and desire; prejudice and protest; and some that is about being an artist following a passion. All of which is validation towards being genuine to yourself.

LGBTQI+ artists are often marginalised, discriminated against and overlooked, as are many queer people generally. Rachel’s experience of often being ‘othered’ has frequently meant she’s lost confidence to submit artworks and be included in exhibitions. There’s Something Queer About This Art exhibition aims from the outset to be inclusive and incorporate as many submissions from local queer artists as possible.

Also on display will be the Norwich Pride Quilt. The philosophy of the quilt was to bring together members of the LGBTQI+ community to document and commemorate some of the key events of our history in textiles. It has resulted in a fantastic patchwork of history and stories.

Joe Ballard, chair of Norwich Pride says:

"The exhibition will be amazing and one of the jewels of the Norwich Pride Inspired strand. It's beautiful and inclusive and we're so proud of Rachel for creating this wonderful space as part of the Norwich Pride 2021 celebrations."