A mini festival celebrating queer excellence in the Hunter is set to explode at the Earp Distilling Co this weekend.
Diverge, featuring a line-up of local musicians, performers and DJs, will provide a colourful atmosphere at the Carrington venue on Sunday 30 October.
With live sets by Djanaba, Meer and Rachel Maria Cox, as well as a debut performance by Eora Sydney-based House Of Slé among the acts, the Queer and Now-presented extravaganza – from 2pm to 10pm – should provide an exciting finale to the This is Not Art (TiNA) Festival.
“Diverge is intended to acknowledge queer excellence in the performing arts, including drag, music, dance, experimental and everything in between,” director Jasmine Fletcher said.
“These types of events are invaluable to our community.
“They increase queer representation, inclusion and provide safer spaces for embracing diversity and fostering social connections.
“Representation is necessary for the wellbeing and professional development of our queer community.
“The more we showcase queer arts in our local area, the more sexual and gender diverse folk can see themselves and be themselves – if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.”
Funding from City of Newcastle, via a Community Support Grant, enabled Queer and Now to host Diverge, too.
“Council’s backing means this great event gets to take place,” Cr Carol Duncan said.
“And, it also demonstrates how a mature organisation like TiNA can auspice with emerging partners to apply for grants from multiple sources and bring new concepts to Newcastle.
“The city’s creative scene is simply bursting right now.
“It’s helping early career arts workers access funding to run their own projects, which makes huge sense to Newcastle.”
The iconic TiNA Festival, which was established in 1997, has always focused on emerging practice and makes the organisation a recognised and well-respected platform for “first big break” opportunities across Australia.
For more entertainment stories:
- First acts unveiled for The Gum Ball in 2023
- Hunter students’ artworks to brighten lives of others
- Comedians launch War on 2022 at Civic Theatre
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