Over recent months, a small group of people, including artist Régis Gonçalves, have held extensive discussions about establishing a foundation dedicated to queer art and queer artists.
Here, the initiators set out how they would like to take the next step towards establishing the foundation. We would be pleased to hear what opportunities others see to help make this possible.
Building a professional artistic practice can be challenging. This is particularly true for artists who engage with queer themes. They often struggle to secure funding, conduct research or exhibit their work. Suitable workspace, guidance and relevant networks may also be difficult to access.
The initiators would like to explore how the foundation could support artists in developing, presenting and promoting their work. This support could include financial contributions, practical assistance, guidance, personal support and valuable contacts.
The focus is on artists, performers and researchers who engage with queer themes in art. There is also a clear place for makers who, because of their background or residency status, face greater barriers to funding, guidance, workspace and opportunities to present their work.
This may include:
The emphasis is on art that makes queer identities visible, questions heteronormativity and addresses subjects that do not readily find a platform. In this way, art can contribute to public debate and social change.
The initiators are considering the following forms of support:
As a possible first step, we are considering a small touring exhibition featuring work by queer artists. The exhibition would travel to a range of exhibition spaces and museums.
This would allow us to gain experience and create a basis for conversations with funding bodies, donors and other funders. We are also considering collaboration with existing initiatives for young artists and queer art.
Ideas for artists, locations, collaborations and possible partners are welcome.
In time, the foundation would like to develop or encourage a range of activities. These might include workshops, exhibitions, lectures, book presentations, films,theatre, music and social gatherings.
We would like to form networks in which queer artists can share their ideas, experiences and activities. International collaboration could form part of this.
We also aim to create a shared space for queer art, where artists can work, where work can be presented and where people can meet.
We would be pleased to hear which activities and forms of collaboration you believe could be valuable.
In time, artists and researchers may be able to apply through an open call. Each round could focus on a particular theme. An independent selection committee of art professionals and experts would assess the applications.
The periodic presentation of an art prize is another idea under consideration. It could offer recognition and encouragement to artists whose work is connected to gender and queer themes. The prize could consist of a financial award and/or an exhibition that gives greater visibility to the work and its maker.
Another idea is a recurring exhibition during Pride in one or more Dutch cities. This would allow queer art to be presented in several locations to a wider audience.
We are exploring various funding options:
In the longer term, we will examine how funds can be managed and invested responsibly, in keeping with the foundation’s objectives and the tax requirements associated with possible ANBI status.
Through a friends programme, the foundation would like to build an engaged community of supporters who make an annual financial contribution and remain connected to the initiative. Within the programme, we are considering different levels of contribution and different ways of becoming involved.
Friends could, for example, be invited to activities, receive early information about new projects and have opportunities to meet artists.
Ambassadors could also help raise awareness of the initiative. They could represent the organisation on special occasions, establish new contacts and provide a recognisable public face for the initiative.
For the next steps, we need people with experience in communications, finance, fundraising, governance and organisational development, and working with museums and galleries.
We will start with a board consisting of a chair, secretary and treasurer, possibly joined by additional board members and advisers with relevant knowledge and experience.
Which ideas appeal to you? What is still missing? And what contribution would you like to make?
You may wish to:
Every contribution can help us take the next step. This could be a response, an introduction to an artist or organisation, practical assistance, a contact from your own network or an interest in taking on a more active role.
Anyone who would like to contribute ideas or support the initiative is warmly invited to contact us at info@regisgoncalves.com.
