Kensington Arts Presents ‘Schools OUT’: An All-Day Queer Friendly Event

Kensington Arts has announced a new event, “Schools OUT”, to celebrate LGBT+ History Month. The half-term event, on Saturday 26th February, will provide the community with an opportunity to come together and celebrate queer history.

LGBT+ History Month in the UK runs in February to coincide with the anniversary of the 2003 abolition of Section 28. The month is intended as a means to raise awareness of, and combat prejudice against, the LGBT+ community while celebrating its achievement and diversity and making it more visible.

From 11am the Isle of Man’s FIRST ‘Queer Artisan Market’ will be taking place in Kensington Arts Dance Studio. A variety of queer artists are being invited to exhibit their work, and network with other like-minded creatives.  

Anna Clucas will be hosting a one-off “Art Tank Workshop'' where participants will design and create a timeline of LGBT+ history. Art Tank members will also be invited to sell their own artistic creations in the Queer Artisan Market.

All afternoon in Kensington Arts Theatre there will be screenings of LGBT+ films and plays. The programme includes filmed versions of National Theatre Connections shows ‘Pronoun’ by Evan Placey and ‘Dungeness’ by Chris Thompson. Gay rights pioneer Alan Shea’s film will also be screened, honouring his contribution to Manx LGBT+ history.

The evening programme begins at 7pm with local drag queens performing in an epic ‘LipSync for your Life’ show. The local divas will be battling for the crown in the Kensington Arts Theatre. SoundCheck will then be taking over, with bands and musicians performing until 10:45pm. Each act will also be introduced by talented local poets including the Manx Bard.

Peter Shimmin, new Creative Development Co-Ordinator for the centre, said “Kensington has been and always will be a safe place for the queer community. We’re pleased to be hosting an event by the community, for the community. LGBT+ History Month is more important than ever, given the rise in hate crime and the struggles our community still face today.”

Tickets for the Art Tank workshop, Film Screenings and the Evening Programme are available online at www.kensingtonarts.im or from the box office at Villa Marina or the Welcome Centre. A bucket collection will be held in aid of Isle of Pride. Any profits from the event will be used to help fund further projects for the LGBT+ community.

Queer artists and queer-owned businesses are invited to get in touch with the organisers about participating in the Artisan Market. For more information please contact Peter (Peter.Shimmin@gov.im) or Arts Engagement officer Grainney Sheard (Grainney.Sheard@gov.im).

Kensington Arts

Run by professional artists, Kensington Arts currently organises activities for young people aged between 8 and 18 to support and develop creative expression. These include weekly classes, workshops and projects. The Arts Centre includes a 130 seat Theatre, a Dance Studio, Art Room, Band Practice Rooms and a Recording Studio.

Press Contact: Peter Shimmin, Creative Development Co-Ordinator
Peter.Shimmin@gov.im