Canadian Heritage funding victory!
Most of you will be aware that the last month has been a roller coaster ride for us at QAF. In April, we received word from Canadian Heritage that they were withdrawing their funding of the 2013 festival. This came as a shock, without warning or explanation, after a very successful three-year partnership with them. So we turned to you for help.
We launched our publicity campaign via social media, online petition, and mail on May 1st. The public outcry was incredible! Two days later, on May 3rd, the Ministry contacted Artistic Director Shaira Holman and informed her that 75% of our funding would be restored. This quick turnaround is very rare; of the dozens of arts organizations that have lost their federal funding, we know of only ONE other festival that has had their funding cut and reinstated in the same year.
So basically, this is a huge victory for QAF and all queer artists, and we have YOU to thank for this positive outcome!
Thank you for all the Tweets, Posts, Shares, Likes, and signatures on the online petition. This groundswell of support proves the importance of QAF’s programming and artistic vision, and the social impact of our outreach activities.
This turn of events however, still leaves us with a $10,000 shortfall. We need your support now more than ever. Please become a monthly donor to the Pride in Art Society, or make a one-time donation to our Legacy Fund.
Donations of ALL sizes are gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated.
Pride in Art is a registered charity, and issues tax deductible receipts for all donation $20 or more. Haven’t claimed a charitable donation since 2007, or never? Then you may be eligible for the First Time Donor’s Super Credit! See more info on our Donate webpage. https://queerartsfestival.com/donate
Lesbian opera marks world premiere
Our flagship show this year is the staged premiere of composer Leslie Uyeda and poet Rachel Rose’s opera When the Sun Comes Out. Commissioned by QAF, this ground-breaking new work makes history as Canada’s first lesbian opera, that is, by lesbians writing about love between women. This piece was met with great enthusiasm at last year’s sold-out workshop performance.
A story of forbidden love, divided loyalties and culture clash, the opera sensitively explores the oppression that queers face, and the risks they take, in nations where homosexuality is illegal. When the Sun Comes Out is being brought to life by director James Fagan Tait, rising star soprano Teiya Kasahara, mezzo-soprano Julia Morgan, and baritone Aaron Durand.
We are partnering with Rainbow Refugee in outreach programs that will engage diverse communities by sharing real-life stories that echo the opera’s themes. We would also like to thank our other community partners: Vancouver Opera, Powell Street Festival, Vancouver Foundation, Hamber Foundation, and the Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation.
Festival Lineup June 1st
OMG, we are only two weeks away from announcing the full festival line up on our website!
So watch out for the launch notice on our social media portals, and then check out queerartsfestival.com
HiM sponsors Art Party!
We are tickled pink to partner with HiM as the official sponsor of our opening night Art Party! July 24, 2013.
HiM is a community- based organization dedicated to strengthening the health and well-being of gay men. Their approach includes physical, sexual, social and mental health.
As one of the best-attended visual arts events in Vancouver, Art Party! celebrates the premiere evening of the Visual Arts Exhibit and the PiA Community Art Show, and the opening of the Queer Arts Festival.
Featuring live performances, life drawing, decadent delectables and effervescent bevies… let’s see how gay it gets!
Deadline for PiA Community Art Show extended!
Due to all the distractions in the past few weeks, we have decided to extend the deadline to submit to the Community Art Show to June 15.
This show will exhibit visual art works by queer artists in any medium for the duration of the festival, July 24 – August 9, in the main hall at the Roundhouse Community Centre.
QAFs East Van
East Van Graphics, that is! Once again we are partnering with EVG for all our festival print material.
Soon our sexy posters and programs will be unleashed upon the city for your public and private enjoyment.
Keeping it queer and local, yo. eastvangraphics.ca