The annual Shout Festival returns to multiple arts-venues across Birmingham to “celebrate queer arts and culture”.
From the 9th to the 19th of November, guests will experience visual arts, performances, live music and talks by guest speakers to celebrate and promote the diversity of Birmingham’s LGBT community.
From a music performance by Medea ‘Written in Rage,’ to ‘My Comedy’ night at The Loft Lounge or a ‘Holographic Bonds’ performance by Rory Pilgrim, there are a variety of performances to enjoy.
The festival was created in 2009 by Birmingham LGBT in response to the lack of awareness of LGBT in the community and arts.
Rhiannon, who is part of the social group ‘Queer Women’ by LGBT said: “I think the LGBT community in the Midlands is welcoming and I have enjoyed becoming a part of it. I’m very grateful to the LGBT centre in Birmingham for hosting our craft group for queer women.
“I’m volunteering for SHOUT Festival and I’m looking forward to it. I’m running a craft session at the SHOUT Community Day at MAC on Sunday 12th November from 12 to 1:30.”
Shout Festival has recently become a part of the Birmingham Arts Council for 2018-2022 funding project, which they’ve said is a huge progress for the LGBT community.
Peter Knott, the Arts Council England area director commented: “It’s essential that England’s arts and cultural landscape reflects the diversity of our society. We are delighted to announce that Birmingham’s LGBT community will become part of our portfolio of organisation’s to receive regular funding from 2018-2022.
“I’m looking forward to seeing their work flourish with our continued support, providing LGBT arts in the heart of Birmingham, with the SHOUT festival and a year-round programme of creative opportunities to reflect the stories and voices of local people.”
In addition to the festival, funding will allow Birmingham LGBT to run a year-long programme focusing on artist development and creating creative opportunities and digital work.
Tickets are on sale now for Shout Festival 2017 and are available to buy online here.