(Image: Provided)
A NEW arts space is set to open in the heart of York city centre, which will offer a space for LGBTQIA+ people and allies across the city.
QueerArts UK CiC - an arts hub dedicated to LGBTQIA+ creativity and culture - has announced the upcoming launch of the venue at 32 Walmgate, creating one of the few dedicated queer arts hubs in the country.
Wayne Dawson, CEO of QueerArts, said: "We've been working toward this for nearly five years and we're so pleased to have secured the venue.
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"Our mission to champion queer arts and culture is only just starting, but this marks a significant step on our journey. The space is much needed in York and we hope to continue to make a lasting impact on our community."
The venue will host regular classes, workshops, exhibitions, and events spanning queer art, music, dance, performance, and literature, whilst also offering an environment for creatives to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.
The space will celebrate queer heritage by showcasing the work of LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and writers, and will include a shop selling work by queer artists.
J'o Lloyd, development manager at QueerArts, said: "32 Walmgate has so much potential for us to enable LGBTQIA+ folk to express themselves creatively.
"But it is also a space for the wider community to experience and understand via the Arts what queer narratives mean. Those different perspectives benefit us all - this is a space for everyone."
They also said the venue would be "versatile and responsive" to the needs of the creative community, adding: "It’s not huge, so we need to think carefully about how we make it multi-purpose.
"Neither do we have all the answers - but that’s part of the excitement. We’d love to hear ideas from creatives about how we can make the very best use of it."
The project is being funded by a grant from the National Lottery, but QueerArts is inviting the community to support the fit-out - adding that anyone who would like to help is encouraged to get in touch.
The new space is expected to strengthen collaboration across the LGBTQIA+ and wider arts community.
J'o said: "This is a great opportunity for us to bring together individuals and organisations to create something positive and special.
"We are very open to working with anyone for mutual benefit as this project is about benefitting as many people as possible. We are so looking forward to welcoming everyone who calls in."
The venue is not yet open, with QueerArts aiming for a launch later in autumn 2026; an official opening date and full programme details will be announced in due course.