IN A LANDSCAPE WITH NO IDENTIFIABLE (SAFE) QUEER SPACES, WHERE DOES A COMMUNITY OF SO MANY DIVERSE PEOPLE GO?

PROJECT: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
ARTIST: JORDAN WILKINSON
PROJECT PARTNERS: METRO ARTS & REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast is Australia’s largest regional city, with a population of over 630,000 people and yet it has no identifiable (safe) queer spaces. Behind Closed Doors poses the question “where does a community of so many diverse people go?” Through participatory explorations guided by the artist, Behind Closed Doors aims to reveal deeply personal stories of growing up queer in regional Queensland whilst simultaneously connecting the LGBTIQ+ community (both elder and youth). The self-exploration of the artist and the sharing of his own coming out story are the foundation for a series of relational experiences centred around food and curated road trips that aim to build a rapport with the queer community and allies. The outcomes for the work will be reflected in a community-based project and ‘safe’ space that encompasses experimental video, installation, participatory work, text, and performance-based ideas.