Out On An Island – An Untold Heritage Exhibition @ Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight

Out On An Island – An Untold Heritage will exhibit in Quay Arts’ Clayden Gallery

Out On An Island celebrates LGBTQ+ history with the first ever exhibition entirely dedicated to LGBTQ+ heritage on the Isle of Wight.

Listen to oral histories from local LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages, gaining a new perspective of the Isle of Wight’s past. Mindful that it is only 54 years since homosexuality was partially decriminalised in the UK, the project celebrates queer love, queer desire and gender diversity, while showing the challenges of being LGBTQ+ on the Island. Recordings have captured harrowing accounts of how people have dealt with change, due to both external factors such as politics and the law as well as internal personal struggles as they strove to be their authentic selves. There are uplifting, inspiring and soul-searching journeys from some who found acceptance and true happiness on the Isle of Wight.

The exhibition features an enlightening documentary film, Our Stories Matter, which shines a light on local heritage and looks at the notable LGBTQ+ people connected with the Island. Photographer Jon Haben’s portraits skilfully reflect local people and the oral histories they shared with us, while artworks commissioned from Island artists Karl Stedman and Sydney Cardew show a unique response to the project. We also have noteworthy memorabilia collected by the curating team, featuring the Sailing and Cruising Association, WightOut newsletters and IW Pride.

Dates: Saturday 19 June – Saturday 17 July
Days: Monday – Sunday
Times: 10am – 4pm
Location: Quay Arts, Newport, Isle of Wight
Price: Free