Brighton Pride’s Art Exhibition ‘ICONS’ officially opened at the Jubilee Library on Wednesday evening with a Private View hosted by comedienne Zoe Lyons. The exhibition has been organised by Brighton-based Thirteen Art Productions and is a central part of Pride’s first ever Arts & Film Festival, which covers multi-aspects of LGBT art, culture and lifestyle.
A selection of talented artists from the LGBT community (and their supporters) have produced an astounding mix of artwork which is showing alongside some exclusive and original posters by American Pop-artist Keith Haring, donated by The Keith Haring Foundation in New York.
Haring died in 1990 of Aids. The mission of the Keith Haring Foundation is to sustain, expand, and protect the legacy of Keith Haring, his art, and his ideals. The Foundation supports not-for-profit organisations that assist children, as well as organisations involved in education, research and care related to AIDS.
The busy centrally located venue saw an enthusiastic crowd bid for the Haring posters, which sold out on the night. The whole event has so far raised over £2,000 for Pride and The Rainbow Fund, a charitable fund to benefit of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community in Brighton & Hove and to help maintain the Brighton & Hove AIDS Memorial.
Local artist Romany Mark Bruce who sculptured the Brighton Aids Memorial ‘Tay’ and photographer Mark Vessey are amongst a number of talented participants.
Profits from the event itself and 10% of any other artwork sales will be donated to Pride.
The exhibition takes place at the Jubilee Library till August 1.
The Keith Haring Foundation have also licensed the use of an image for limited edition merchandise to accompany the first Brighton Pride, Arts & Film Festival. The items, including t-shirts, totebags, badges and posters which will be on sale via Pride’s website from July and at Icons on The Park on August 3.
Artist and organiser, Hizze Fletcher, says:
”We are all so overwhelmed by the support of The Keith Haring Foundation and the interest that has been generated around this event.
“It is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of the LGBT artistic community (and their supporters) and we are looking forward to an expanded Arts Festival next year as part of the new community-driven Pride organisation”
EVENT: ICONS Exhibition
WHERE: Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton
WHEN: Till August 1
TIMES: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday 10am-7pm: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday, 10am-5pm: Sunday, 11am-5pm
For more information about Pride Arts & Films Festival, CLICK HERE:
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