Shenzhen's Annual Pride Fest Launches with Call for Art

By Adam Robbins, March 27, 2018

SZUMMER PRIDE – the celebration of LGBTQI diversity in the Pearl River Delta now entering its third year – kicks off 2018 with culture.

The Greater Bay Art Exhibition is now inviting submissions from artists who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or otherwise support fair treatment for all genders and sexual orientations. Artists in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macao and elsewhere in the PRD region are eligible to apply.

Of the works submitted, 10 paintings, drawings, photographs and other 2D art will be selected for display at a yet-to-be-announced Futian venue throughout the month of June. Visitors will be able to learn more about the artists and vote for their favorite pieces while enjoying themed entrees that support the cause.

The exhibit kicks off with a ceremony on June 2, with snacks, wine and guests of honor introducing the paintings that are up for auction. Proceeds will be donated to PFLAG China, bringing together LGBTQ people and their families across the country, and Zhitong, which helps prevent HIV transmission in Guangdong.

"The SZUMMER PRIDE Art Exhibition provides an incredible opportunity to break down barriers, promote understanding and change perceptions," SaturGays orgnizer Shane Ryan tells That's PRD. "It's a platform for artistic expression that provides insights into the lives of artistic members of our community and what makes them proud."

Interested in showing off your art? Send an image of the work – following the theme of "What makes you proud?" – to szummerpride@gmail.com by May 1. If selected, be prepared to have the work delivered by May 15. The art then becomes property of the SZUMMER PRIDE committee to be used for its charitable purposes.

Whether you're an artist or just hungry for equality, be sure to check out the exhibit this June as they help celebrate diversity in the PRD.

Scan the QR code below for details about all the upcoming Pride events.