Arts centre supports national queer portrait project in Mayo

MUCH of what happens at the Linenhall Arts Centre takes place away from the public eye. Alongside the curation of a year-round programme of performances, exhibitions and events, it regularly provides artists with the space, facilities and support to develop ambitious, creative projects that engage directly with communities across Mayo.

Another example of that is on Saturday, August 29, when the Linenhall hosts artist Kiz Rutherford, as part of The Queer Portrait Project, an ongoing body of work exploring queer identity, visibility and lived experience.

Responding to the systematic erosion of LGBTQIA+ rights and histories in parts of the USA and the UK, the project acknowledges the challenges experienced by Ireland's queer community and the wider global context. Through conversation and portraiture, it creates a lasting record of individuals and their stories, ensuring they are seen, recognised and remembered.

Fiona Neary, co-director at the Linenhall, commented: "The public programme is only one element of what we do. Every year the Linenhall quietly supports artists to develop new work, undertake research and build meaningful relationships with communities across Mayo. We're delighted to support Kiz Rutherford in bringing The Queer Portrait Project to Mayo and to share this important work with our community."

During the Mayo visit, Rutherford will spend time with members of the local LGBTQIA+ community, using conversation and drawing as the starting point for a series of painted portraits that will later be completed in the artist's studio. Each portrait, a collaborative process, reflects the individuality, complexity and lived experience of its participant.

Visitors are invited to pop into the Linenhall between 11.15 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. on August 29 to view an informal display of selected portraits from The Queer Portrait Project. Experience the works in progress and reflect on the power of portraiture to affirm identity, foster connection and preserve lived experience.

At its heart, The Queer Portrait Project is about visibility, remembrance and resilience, creating an enduring archive of contemporary queer lives.

Artist Kiz Rutherford shared: "The Queer Portrait Project is about creating a space where people can be seen on their own terms. Every conversation and every portrait contributes to an archive of lived experience that honours the richness, diversity and resilience of queer lives.

“I'm very grateful to the Linenhall Arts Centre for supporting this stage of the project and for helping to create an environment where these conversations can happen."

Those interested in participating in The Queer Portrait Project during the Mayo visit are encouraged to contact info@thelinenhall.com or the Linenhall’s box office team on (094) 9023733 with queries.