EXHIBITIONS
Queering Democracy:
Art, Identity & Politics in 2024
October 4 – November 16, 2024
About the Exhibition
Presented in partnership with ImageOut Art this national juried exhibition is a reflection of our current moment, and is a poignant response to the alarming rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. Queering Democracy: Art, Identity & Politics in 2024 showcases a wide range of experiences, emotions, and thoughts on the evolving struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights and representation.
Queer art has achieved greater prominence in recent years, yet the LGBTQIA+ community’s struggle for freedom and equality persists. There are currently over 540 state-legislated bills threatening the rights and needs of non-binary individuals, including targeted measures against transgender people. From restricting Drag performances to censoring school curriculum and banning books, the echoes of past discrimination are hauntingly reminiscent. The urgency of this artistic call is undeniable. We hope this exhibition will serve as a reflection of our current moment, and as a poignant response to the alarming rise of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation sweeping the nation.
On display October 4 – November 16, 2024 at Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo).
View the exhibition press release here.
About ImageOut
Founded in 1993, ImageOut is a premier local LGBTQ+ not-for-profit organization, primarily serving the Greater Rochester community. Its mission is to present and support LGBTQ+ arts and cultural experiences showcasing films, creative works, and artists to promote awareness, foster dialogue, and build community. ImageOut produces spring and fall film festivals, as well as single screenings, art exhibitions, literary events, and other local creative projects by and for LGBTQ+ community. ImageOut also organizes art-centered programs specifically serving LGBTQ+ teens and college students to provide supportive spaces for connection, education, and community care. The ImageOutArt committee works with local artists and organizations to collaborate on projects that promote LGBTQ+ pride, self-expression, and connection; and ImageOutWrite, which produces an LGBTQ+ literary journal and other literary and spoken word events. To learn more about the organization, check out upcoming events, offer financial support and/or get involved as a volunteer, visit imageout.org.
About RoCo
Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo) is a venue for the exchange of ideas and a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) that was founded in 1977 as the Pyramid Gallery. Early on, the crew faced considerable obstacles. Only days after the grand opening there was a significant fire that left the small Monroe Ave. storefront and many artworks damaged. Fundraisers were held and walls were rebuilt. Thanks to the perseverance of the founders and their fellow artists, the Rochester art community has been the beneficiary ever since. After formalizing the organization began to receive New York State and foundation funding and soon began to play a significant role in the artist-run space movement of the era. Still there was uncertainty and challenges. The Culture Wars and shifting foundation priorities altered the funding landscape. Through the decades and several different locations, RoCo’s individual members have provided a stable base for the organization. This significant community support has enabled RoCo to survive and thrive when other small art centers have struggled and even closed their doors. In recent years RoCo’s membership and stature has grown significantly. Now as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we’ve achieved outright ownership of our facility and are approaching 1,000 members for the first time in the organization’s history. As a center for thoughtful contemporary art, RoCo provides unique encounters for audiences and extraordinary opportunities for artists. For more information, visit rochestercontemporary.org.
Curated by RoCo. Co-organized with ImageOut.
Sponsored by NYS Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson.
With generous exhibition support from New York State Council on the Arts, Farash Foundation, County of Monroe, Gouvernet Arts Fund, Richard Schwartz, Anne Havens, Mary S Mulligan Charitable Trust, and over 1,000 Members!
