QAF’s 2014 theme, ReGenerations, is a defiant reframing of the Nazi term “Degenerate Art,” the banner under which they banned artists who were avant-garde, Jewish, or queer, saying their work posed an imminent danger to society. QAF 2014 embraces the premise that art can be dangerous, even revolutionary. In the intimate act of sharing as artists and audiences we find meaning and transformation. And from that place of vulnerable connection, we find strength and inspiration to change the world.
ReGenerations is a celebration of our queer heritage — fecund, generative, and innovative, handed down by artists across generations and national boundaries. QAF 2014 foregrounds cross-generational collaboration with a lineup of artists aged 18 to 80, mentorships that team up emerging with established artists, and programming that connects historical queer icons to our living, contemporary art practice. This year’s festival brings together artists navigating queer identity across the international diaspora, hailing from 20 countries including Australia, Brazil, the Cree Nation, India, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. ReGenerations also speaks to healing and renewal, addressing topics such as addiction, disability, and solidarity for those struggling for queer rights internationally and at home.
Highlights include Sunny Drake’s multi-genre exploration of addiction and recovery, X; the debut of Canada’s first professional queer classical choir Cor Flammae; master harpsichordist Colin Tilney Celebrates LXXX, and Queering the International, the visual arts exhibition curated by Laiwan with Curatorial Assistant Anne Riley.
Full events list coming soon!
QAF 2014. Dare to be challenged. Risk being changed.
