Highlighting Diverse Narratives in South African Arts
Queering the Ga(y)ze is a dynamic project building on the rich legacy of Diverse Narratives within the British Council's South Africa Arts Programme. Inspired by past initiatives within our programme such as Salon Kewpie: The Legacy Project, Queer Catalyst, and Nkoli: The Vogue Opera, Queering the Ga(y)ze explores expansive engagement with marginalised communities and voices, particularly focusing on Queer heritage and inclusion work.
Project Objectives
- Amplify South African artistic expression across diverse narratives through film screenings and showcases.
- Contribute to broader Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) goals by promoting LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual) inclusion, aligning with the British Council's commitment to EDI.
- Facilitate audience development by attracting new audiences while nurturing existing ones.
- Gather valuable insights through workshops and/or panel discussions, contributing to knowledge sharing.
- Raise the profile of the annual Five Films for Freedom online festival in South Africa to raise awareness and encourage dialogue around LGBTQIA+ issues.
Queering the Ga(y)ze kicks off in October 2024 with a vigorous public programme series leading up to the British Council's Five Films for Freedom (in partnership with BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival) programme in March 2025. While Five Films for Freedom focuses on film, Queering the Lens welcomes engagement across all artistic disciplines.