We invite artists to explore the concept of ‘Pose’ as a powerful show of resistance. We seek works that explore the various meanings of the word ‘Pose’ from a Queer perspective.

‘POSE’ art exhibition will be a central element of Queerfest Norwich 2025.

This opportunity is open to artists from all disciplines and styles, including but not limited to painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, video and mixed media.

The show will be held from 13 to 23 February 2023 at the Undercroft Gallery, 112-134, Market Pl, Norwich NR2 1ND

Deadline for submission:

Midnight on Friday, 3 January 2025

Please read all the information here before applying

Exhibition Title:

Pose

Exhibition Brief:

We invite artists to explore the concept of ‘Pose’ as a powerful show of resistance. We seek works that explore the various meanings of the word ‘Pose’ from a Queer perspective.

As Queer individuals navigate public and private spaces, what does it mean to ‘Pose’ in ways that assert, conceal, or transform visibility?

How can posing become a means of resisting marginalisation?

In a world where Queer identities often exist at the complex intersections of visibility, societal expectations, and personal validation, posing can be seen as both a form of protest and a testament to survival and resilience.

Your ‘Pose’ could signify strength or fragility, fake or authenticity, celebration or survival. You could:

« Strike a Pose

« Pose a Question

« Pose a Threat

This exhibition aims to amplify the voices of artists whose work defies simple categorisation, embracing expressions of Queerness that reflect lived experiences across intersections of race, gender identity, diversity, ability and cultural backgrounds.

We aim to open conversations about the nuances of posing and self-presentation as acts of queer courage, imagination, and self-love.

Artists are encouraged to submit pieces that provoke, celebrate, and challenge viewers, creating a space where Queerness is embraced in all its diversity, fluidity, and beauty, and have some fun!

Deadline  midnight on Friday 3 January 2025

We aim to contact all applicants, whether selected or not, by 17 January 2025.

Pop-up shop and sales

There will also be a pop-up shop in addition to the exhibition; exhibiting artists will be invited to submit small drawings, paintings, prints, textiles, pottery, etc for sale in the shop area.

Queerfest Norwich will take commission of 25% on all sales

This year’s selection panel consists of Rachel Collier-Wilson, Arlo Lawton,  Zana Baban, Elaine Humpleby [pop up shop] and Sam Rooke [film]

Rachel Collier-Wilson (they/them) is a fine artist/printmaker.

They established Queerfest Norwich in 2023 to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month.

Their curating work grew from a keenness to support other Queer creatives in their practice and provide a professional platform to showcase and sell Queer-made work.

Arlo Lawton (they/he)  is a freelance artist from the North West, now based in Norfolk, England.

A graduate of Middlesex University with a Bachelor of Arts in Photography.

The basis of their photographic work often lies within LGBTQ+ awareness, environmental activism & events. 

Their digital artwork predominantly revolves around nostalgia, transmasculine identities and life experiences.

Zana Baban (she/they/he) is a mixed-race (Kurdish and English), queer, neurodivergent and gender non-conforming, multi-disciplinary creative.

Growing up in a conservative family and society in Kurdistan, they were very isolated but found joy in creating works that allowed them to express in private what they had to mask in public.

Now living out and proud in the UK, their work touches on queer identity, Kurdish culture, and the beauty of finding a chosen family to belong to.

Sam Rooke (they/them) - Indie filmmaker, digital creator and founder of Psychic Visions, a budding independent production house and freelance media company. 

Sam is a non-binary, Filipino post-grad research student with a love for queer and horror media.

Beyond directing and producing, they lead monthly tarot workshops at The Cat House and are an occasional performer in Norwich’s drag and burlesque scene.

Queerfest is kindly supported by Norwich University of the Arts and East Anglian Art Fund.

Thank you for your interest.