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

ARTIST: JORDAN WILKINSON
PROJECT: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
PROJECT PARTNERS: METRO ARTS AND REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND GOLD COAST
DOCUMENTATION: LOUIS LIM, JORDAN WILKINSON, SARAH LEWIS, CONNOR MCCUE, BRIAN MURRAY, REBECCA ROSS

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. With this data as context 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. 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.

As part of his Research and Development Jordan led three road trips in his Toyota Corolla, each time rolling through the Nerang hinterland and into the Northern Rivers. Whilst taking in the sights and sounds curated by the artist, participants feasted on family recipes and treats from local bakeries. These immersive experiences allow passengers to connect with each other, get up close with the artists' personal history and to sample his creative storytelling.

With the support of Metro Arts Jordan undertook a residency at the Ferryman’s Hut in Brisbane in 2022, a base from which to expand his research into Queensland’s capital and its queer zones.