An open call for Socially Engaged Art Salon's upcoming exhibition, 'Queer Heterotopias'.

Socially Engaged Art Salon's upcoming exhibition, 'Queer Heterotopias', looks at Heterotopias which are created / used or misused by LGBT persons and communities. These can be the space of the Pride marches, cruising grounds, sex clubs and saunas, LGBT tourist destinations, and queer bodies.

Heterotopia is a concept elaborated by philosopher Michel Foucault in the 1960s to describe certain cultural, institutional and discursive spaces that are somehow 'othered': disturbing, intense, incompatible, contradictory or transforming. Heterotopias are worlds within worlds, mirroring and yet upsetting what is outside. Foucault provides examples: ships, cemeteries, bars, brothels, prisons, gardens of antiquity, fairs, Muslims baths and many more. A talk given to a group of architects is the most well-known explanation of the term.

'Queer Heterotopias' will take place at the new LGBTQ+ The Ledward Centre in Brighton, UK  from mid July to mid September 2021 as well as online via SEAS' website and in a format of a zine.

The open call is for art related to this theme in any 2D art medium / films / short texts and poetry on related issues.

Any artists age 18+ from the UK and beyond may submit work. 

LGBTQAI+, BIPOC, disabled and neurodiverse artists and from  any other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to take part. 

The exhibition will include invited artists alongside selected open call artists.

Submission of work and participation is free. 

SEAS will be responsible for printing the works for the on-site exhibition, installation, invigilation as well as the creation of the online exhibition and the zine. 

All selected artists will receive the exhibition zine.

SEAS is a small artist led organization - if our funding permits, up to 10 participants artists will receive modest fees for their contribution.