With an estimated 215,000 people identifying as LGBT across Greater Manchester, the Network aims to build upon and centralise previous informal partnerships to provide much greater support, training and awareness for cultural organisations in delivering events and projects in all boroughs with LGBT artists, participants and audiences. The Network will be launched at an event at LGBT Foundation today with all partners and specially invited guest speakers.
Organisations who have already signed up to the partnership alongside Contact include HOME, Islington Mill, Manchester Metropolitan University, Octagon Theatre, Oldham Coliseum, People’s History Museum, The Lowry, The Met, The Royal Exchange Theatre, The University of Manchester, and Waterside.
The Greater Manchester LGBT Arts + Culture Network is supported in its pilot year using funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. The project will be managed by Barry Priest, former Producer for Manchester’s Queer Contact Festival.
Matt Fenton, Artistic Director/Chief Executive, Contact says:
“Contact is committed to engaging young people, artists and audiences in the presentation and celebration of LGBT arts and culture year-round, with a particular focus each February during our annual Queer Contact Festival. We are keen to play an active role in the Network, and to ensure young LGBT voices continue to be heard within the sector.”