^{Queer Economies}

A multi-site curatorial project presented by Midsumma Festival in association with Bus Projects, Abbotsford Convent and the Centre for Contemporary Photography, with support from Perimeter Editions and the David McDiarmid Estate.

https://queereconomies.org/

PARTICIPANTS

Tony Albert, Frances Barrett, Archie Barry, Nathan Beard, Miss Cairo, Debris Facility Pty Ltd, Briony Galligan, Claire Lambe, David McDiarmid, Rafaella McDonald, Callum McGrath, Jimmy Nuttall, Spiros Panigirakis, Nikos Pantazopoulos, Parallel Park (Holly Bates and Tayla Jay Haggarty), Francis E. Parker, Sam Petersen, Charlie Sofo, Amy Spiers, Athena Thebus and Behn Woods.

Curated by Abbra Kotlarczyk and Madé Spencer Castle.


OVERVIEW

Queer Economies took its cue from Perimeter Editions’ 2014 publication Gifts from David McDiarmid—an archive of handmade artworks that queer artist and activist David McDiarmid gifted to friends and loved ones during his lifetime. Following in McDiarmid’s generous logic, Queer Economies explored the non-monetary, in-kind economies that emerge within LGBTQIA+ communities, in order to foster resilience, love and connection. Seeking to explore the potentials and possibilities of a ‘queer economy’, this project engaged with contemporary artists to critically and subjectively consider: What does a ‘queer economy’ look like, and how might its values of exchange be circulated, commoned or coacted?

Queer Economies was a multi-site curatorial project consisting of three exhibition events; a multi-site program of public programs and events held during the Midsumma Festival period; and a publication of commissioned essays and creative responses to be launched in partnership with Perimeter Editions (date tbc).

EXHIBITIONS + EVENTS

Centre for Contemporary Photography
December 24, 2018–January 31, 2019.


Bus Projects
January 16–February 9, 2019.


St Heliers Street Gallery, Abbotsford Convent
January 21–February 9, 2019.


PRESS

Art & Australia review by Jesse Boyd Reid


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This project took place on the traditional lands of the Kulin nations, always and forever the home of the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Wathaurong, Taungurong and Djadjawurung peoples. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. We offer our sincerest respects to Elders past, present and becoming, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across this magnificent land.

This project was made possible by the generous support of Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria and Midsumma Festival.







 

Images by Christo Crocker 2019.