GFEST - Gaywise FESTival blog

Gay Cross Art Festival in London GFEST 2011 Started With A Bang!

2011-11-10T05:31:00.000-08:00

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GFEST 2011 Visual arts exhibition at Dreamspace Gallery

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 started on Monday 7 November with a huge turnout at the Dreamspace Gallery EC1Y 8NA, in Barbican area of London. The FREE ENTRY exhibition is open to public until 19 November. Mayor of Islington Cllr Phil Kelly attended and spoke at the private view last night. GFEST is recognised as ‘London’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) cross-art festival for all’.

Mayor of Islington talking to festival attendees

GFEST director Niranjan Kamatkar said, “Despite the massive funding crunch this year, I am pleased with the audience turnout and hope people turn up in huge numbers at the rest of the events until 20 November.”
“I am also impressed with the GFEST volunteers help, which is supported by Team London. GFEST has become a great fun event again this year, showcasing diverse LGBTQ artistic talent, cool and hip films and performances. We need everyone to turn up at the events to show their support and to make this event successful.” He added.

GFEST 2011 short film screenings at the Prince Charles Cinema on 8, 9 and 10 November showcase a fantastic line-up of shorts and continue to offer a rare chance to watch some of the films on the big screen.
Sensational variety acts at the festival performance events will liven up The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone on 17, 18 and 19 November.

GFEST 2011 debate at Rich Mix on 15 November looks at the theme of ‘East London: Homophobia / Transphobia’ – Impact on culture and arts. Peter Tatchell has agreed to be one of the key speakers.
GFEST is supported by Team London this year for the volunteers’ involvement.

For full programme and booking information please visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST 2011 In London To Open Next Week On 7 November

2011-11-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

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GFEST 2011 is to start the exciting artistic journey next week on the 7th November 2011. Now in its fifth year, GFEST is widely recognised as ‘London’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) cross-art festival for all’ . Opening up with an exciting visual arts exhibition at the Dreamspace Gallery on Monday 7 November, it will be an exciting look at the wide scope of gay arts in this country.

A still for GFEST 2011 film

Film makers, provocateurs, drag acts, lesbian hip hop artists, symphonic wind groups, anarcho electro punks and London cabaret scene stars are all participants in GFEST 2011.
GFEST 2011 short film screenings at the Prince Charles Cinema on 8, 9 and 10 November feature Hong Khaou whose film Spring debuted at Sundance this year, Sydney based director Craig Boreham, Liane Lang and Betsy Kalin amongst others covering trends in lesbian culture, amateur boxing, transition in relationships and teenage secrets. This year the short film screenings also include award winning filmmaker Darius Clark Monroe whose film ‘Slow’ deals with a blind date and the possibility that it might bring, a documentary film by Nola Grace Gaardmand, ‘Home for the Golden Gays’ focusing on refuge for elderly and vulnerable gays in Manila since 1969 and Jason Bradbury’s ‘We Once Were Tide’.

Art work from Simon Croft

Together they cover a variety of themes ranging from discrimination and migration to gender ambiguity and homophobia across the world via one night stands and young people’s issues around sexuality!
The festival organisers are delighted to have a wide range of artists taking part in this year’s visual arts exhibition including Jason C Woodson, Boa Swindler, Gozra Lozano, Sadie Hennessy, Deric Ch’ng , Eloquent Graffiti, Paul Chisholm, Marta Kochanek, Simon Croft, Peter A Leigh and Jan Morley amongst others.
The topical and lively debate: East London – Homophobia & Transphobia, a culture and arts perspective is on 15 November at Rich Mix in the trendy Shoreditch and Bethnal Green area.
GFEST 2011 performance artists also cover a wide range taking in the political agitation of electro punk of Ste McCabe, the Pink Singers and V G Lee who gives us her take on lesbian life in the slow lane.

Holestar

EvOn is a young lesbian rapper giving her unique spin on urban, hip-hop and soul music and GFEST 2011 also sees the return of Marcus Reeves who will be performing a selection of songs from his first decade of solo performance and his forthcoming debut album. These and many more performance events will all take place at The Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone on 17, 18 and 19 November.
GFEST 2011 arts events, debates, parties and workshops run from 7 to 20 November at venues across London.
for full programme and booking information please visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
—
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival is the premier LGBTQ annual cross-arts festival in London – a platform for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer artists. It’s produced and organised by arts charity Wise Thoughts. www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/
For more information, photo call and interviews opportunities please contact: 0208 889 9555 / info@wisethoughts.org
Wise Thoughts, established in 1999, creates dynamic arts initiatives such as GFEST and delivers services to help address social justice issues and needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Emerging Idenitities In Films Are In Focus at London's Gay Art Festival

2011-10-25T05:56:00.000-07:00

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The UK capital awaits the launch of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 that promises to enthrall film audiences. For GFEST 2011 film programme info please visit: http://gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening.php
GFEST 2011 Short Film Screenings will take place at Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY on Tues 8 / Wed 9 / Thus 10 Nov at 7.15 pm /Box Office: 020 74943654 / Online: http://princecharlescinema.com

A still from Fighting Chance

The film selection includes short films made by both British and international film makers, which offers something for everyone and includes a number of London premieres.

GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar is really excited about the upcoming film screening events, “Everything this year takes you on a narrative journey that is unique, thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. The films explore race, politics and young people’s sexualities in contemporary settings. It is a rare chance to watch some of the short films on a big screen.”

This year short film screenings include award winning filmmaker Darius Clark Monroe’s film ‘Slow’ which deals with a blind date and the possibility that it might bring, a documentary film by Nola Grace Gaardmand, ‘Home for the Golden Gays’ focusing on refuge for elderly and vulnerable gays in Manila since 1969 and Jason Bradbury’s ‘We Once Were Tide’ which looks at Anthony and Kyle spending their last night together before Kyle moves away, leaving Anthony to look after his terminally ill mother.

Transition

The festival will also feature Hong Khaou’s film Spring, debuted at Sundance this year, Sydney based director Craig Boreham, Liane Lang and Betsy Kalin amongst others covering trends in lesbian culture, amateur boxing, transition in relationships and teenage secrets.

Full film events details and information about GFEST 2011 films is available on:
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening.php

For more information, please contact: Subodh
Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Filmmaker wants to be known for films that are ‘something fun and colorful with a deep message’

2011-10-14T02:30:00.000-07:00

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Tamer Ruggli’s film ‘Cappuccino’ is selected to show at GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 Film events. GFEST 2011 Short Film Screenings will take place at Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY on Tues 8 / Wed 9 / Thus 10 Nov at 7.15 pm / Box Office: 020 74943654 /
Online: http://princecharlescinema.com

We asked Tamer about the film, other film work and creativity in general.

Ramer Ruggli

How do you see your own film or film work?   
“Cappuccino” is a tender, yet somehow cynical look at a young boy’s first crush. I also see it as a story of a mother and her son, coming of age together.

How would you describe your own filmmaking process?   
I like to try out things during the shoot. Especially when you work with young, non-professional actors who still have a very natural and spontaneous way to act. I also have the need to feel very close to my actors, make them feel comfortable and gain their trust. Trust may be the most important thing an actor can give you!

Are there any external factors that help you creatively?  
I come more from a visual arts background. I paint and draw a lot. I surely start drawing characters and places before I actually start to write. You can draw an idea and it’ll cost you nothing. It’s a good way to figure out if something would work or not. I have a pretty much bizarre family as well with inspiring life stories. That helps a lot to enrich your characters!

How do you look at reinventing yourself or work on reflecting progression in your work?  
It’s not like I have a lot of films that I can look back to. I can see that I’m definitely fascinated by women and strange situations. I like to make humor about things that are not necessarily funny. Make laugh when you know you shouldn’t. What I know for sure is that I like to create characters that people will remember.

What are the most important themes and elements that feed into your creativity?  
Women and sexuality are recurring themes in my films. The characters in my films often feel different and misunderstood. I like to show that beauty they have within, the reason why they feel different.

Can you describe the creative process behind the work and how it works for you?  
“Cappuccino” is my graduation project at the film school back here in Switzerland. I had a year to write, shoot and finish the film.

How would you like your work to be known?   
As something fun and colorful with a deep message.

Any single wish?
It starts with a J. and ends with a Moore.

Thank you Tamer and best wishes from GFEST team.

For more information on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————–
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestiva

All about Feisty, Sarcastic Queer Politics and Feminist Solidarity and with a Good Heart

2011-10-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

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Electro-Punk Singer Ste McCabe is selected to perform at London gay art festival GFEST this November. GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 Performances will take place at The Cockpit (Theatre), Gateforth Street, Marylebone, London, NW8 8EH on Thus 17, Fri 18 and Sat 19 Nov at 7.30 PM / Online: http://www.wegottickets.com/f/2991
A chat with Ste reveals much more about his work and creative process.

Ste McCabe

How do you see your own art or artwork?
I see my music as an act of protest for an indiepunk dancefloor.

How would you describe your own practice?
Loud and nasty but with a good heart.

Are there any external factors that help you creatively?
The collective stupidity of the masses is an endless source of inspiration. Watching middle class idiots reading the Daily Mail in cafe’s and discussing it’s casual homophobia and racism as if it is informed fact – that never fails to bring on a song.

How do you look at reinventing yourself or reflect progression in your work?
I don’t! I’m sure my music is getting darker, but that’s just because my boyfriend bought me a synth last Christmas. If he didn’t I’m sure i’d sound exactly the same as I did 2 years ago.

What are the most important themes and elements that feed into your creativity?
Feisty and sarcastic queer politics and feminist solidarity run through most things I write, although at the moment mindless consumerism is a lyrical theme. I wrote a song yesterday which is basically an advertisement for Tesco. They’re everywhere else, so I thought they might as well make it into my setlist too.

Can you describe the creative process behind the work and how it works for you?
Sitting in the bedroom alone, smoking alot of cigarettes and trying to write a line about something/someone that makes me laugh, that’s the general pattern. I write everything alone and perform everything alone, I’m quite a private person so it works for me to do it privately.

How would you like yourself or your work to be known?
I’m not too bothered about how other people see it. If I don’t write and perform regularly I go bonkers and that’s why I do it. As long as some people turn up to gigs and some of those get what I’m doing, no matter how small the audience, I don’t think too much about how I’m thought of.

Any single wish
For cats to take over the world. Miaow!

Thank You Ste and best wishes from GFEST 2011 team.

For more information on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————–
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Artist behind ‘I Am NOT An Abomination’ Wishes For Peace on Earth

2011-10-10T01:34:00.000-07:00

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Paul Chisholm is one of the selected GFEST 2011 artists. He is to showcase art work ‘I Am Not An Abomination’ at GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 visual arts exhibition. GFEST 2011 Visual Arts Exhibition will take place at Dreamspace Gallery , 1-3 Dufferin Street, London, EC1Y 8NA (press buzzer to enter) during Mon 7 Nov to Sat 19 Nov 9am to 5:30pm, Sat: 10am to 5pm (Sunday Closed) ENTRY FREE

We interviewed Paul to find more about himself & his practice.

I am NOT an abomination badges - endless supply

How do you see your own art or artwork?
Life for humans is far from perfect one may say we are living in Hell and are far from the pure and perfect world some would like us to believe we are living…
I see my art work as a reflection on the unease, misunderstanding, human emotion and life’s un- ending cycles of enlightenment and regression that faces society.

How would you describe your own practice?
My sculptures are at first glance playful and childlike but with further investigation each work has serious undertones of a world struggling to deal with its own conflicts and contradictions.


Paul Chisholm

Are there any external factors that help you creatively?
No man is an island or so the saying goes, no emotion is new, external factors are the magic and ephemeral nature of life its self. How can one not be both in awe and just a little scared by the World in which we live?

How do you look at reinventing yourself or reflect progression in your work?
Reflection and reinvention are a continual cycle of creation, contemplation, procrastination and critical thinking and through these reflections my work develops into a deeper understanding of how my Art can communicate its message.

What are the most important themes and elements that feed into your creativity?
My sexuality has of late feed deeply into my practice my work deals with Stigma, prejudice, sexuality and Living with HIV in a post 80’s /90’s crisis. However my work still holds a strong sense of whimsicality. Art should be thought provoking and challenging juxtaposed with humor, after all humor is one of the most powerful tools and Artists has to engage his the viewer.

Can you describe the creative process behind the work and how it works for you?
The creative process is a complex web of connections, which evolve with time, and at its boiling point the concepts become reality through a variety of channels. It works for me through a sprinkle of chance, a dash of ingenuity and a whole lot of passion.

How would you like yourself or your work to be known?
I would like my work to be known as a catalyst for change even if that change only occurs in a single person I’ve done a good job!

Any single wish?
Peace on Earth

Many thanks Paul and best wishes from GFEST team.
For more information on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————–
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

GFEST 2011 Filmmaker: there is an ocean of amazing stories just waiting to be told

2011-10-07T02:08:00.000-07:00

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Nola Gaardmand’s film ‘Home for the Golden Gays’ is selected to show at GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 Film events. GFEST 2011 Short Film Screenings will take place at Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY on Tues 8 / Wed 9 / Thus 10 Nov at 7.15 pm / Box Office: 020 74943654 /
Online: http://princecharlescinema.com

We asked Nola about her take on her film, her work and creativity in general.

Nola Grace Gaardmand

How do you see your own art or work?
I don’t really see my self as an artist. I work at a newspaper, and ‘Home for the Golden Gays (HFGG)’ is actually my first documentary. But for me, whether it’s in the daily newspaper or on film, I always try to make my readers/viewers actually identify with the ‘characters’.

How would you describe the style of your filmmaking?
I definitely take my so-called rational way of thinking from journalism with me in this documentary. Every day I try to tell rather complex stories in the most understandable way possible for my readers, and with HFGG I wanted to do the same. No fancy optical or narrative tricks, just keep it simple, and let the story speak for it’s self.

Are there any external factors that help you creatively?
What I love about journalism/documentarism is that the real world is so colourful, strange and mind-blowing – there is an ocean of amazing stories just waiting to be told. I always keep my eye out for interesting places or people.

How do you look at reinventing yourself or reflect progression in your work?
I don’t really think about that very much – I always just think, if it’s a story I would want to hear more about my self, there must be others, that would find it interesting as well. It has to touch me in some way – if it does, it’s usually home-safe.

What are the most important themes and elements that feed into your creativity?
I am very interested in telling stories about things that are some-what taboo. Which is why I often end up with stories about sexuality, gender, body-identities, etc: the secrecy evolving HIV, children’s early sexual games, black women’s shame of their natural hair, are just a few examples. When it makes me a bit uncomfortable, I know I’m doing something right for my readers/viewers.

Can you describe the creative process behind the work and how it works for you?
I usually think: how can I tell this story as simple as possible? I want my readers/viewers to be left with a feeling of having gotten close to the ‘characters’, and for me the easiest way is to let the characters speak for them selves. Nothing fancy, just up close and personal: what’s your story? Usually it’s more than enough.

How would you like yourself or your work to be known?
I want my journalism to make people recognize aspects in them selves – no matter how far-out the story. I want to find the universal emotions and issues in all stories. HFGG for example, is just as much a story about the fear of being abandoned, as it is a story about elderly gay men in Manila. I think the way to actually break down prejudices, is to make people recognize a part of them selves in other people, they usually would perceive as abnormal.

Any single wish?
World peace? Oh yeah, and to marry Obama once Michelle is done with him.

Thank you Nola for your response and best wishes from GFEST team.

For more information on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————–
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

GFEST 2011 artist talks about ‘fevered brain and an ice-cold heart’

2011-10-07T02:06:00.000-07:00

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Artist Sadie Hennessy is selected to showcase her art work ‘Bunny Boys 3′ at GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 visual arts exhibition. GFEST 2011 Visual Arts Exhibition will take place at Dreamspace Gallery , 1-3 Dufferin Street, London, EC1Y 8NA (press buzzer to enter) during Mon 7 Nov to Sat 19 Nov 9am to 5:30pm, Sat: 10am to 5pm (Sunday Closed) ENTRY FREE
GFEST team requested Sadie to respond to the queries below, to find out more about the artist and the work.

Sadie Hennessy

How do you see your own art or artwork?
My work sets out to subvert or disrupt expectations – and to comment wryly on the way the world is.

How would you describe your own practice?
My practice comes from a fevered brain and an ice-cold heart.

Are there any external factors that help you creatively?
Divorce really helped!

How do you look at reinventing yourself or reflect progression in your work?
I don’t, I just keep on (working).

What are the most important themes and elements that feed into your creativity?
Iconoclasm, absurdity, disturbance, intervention, sense of humour, fearlessness, playfulness.

Can you describe the creative process behind the work and how it works for you?
It’s a constant interior monologue rabbiting away whilst I attempt to control the domestic chaos of my exterior life.

How would you like yourself or your work to be known?

Constantly surprising.

Any single wish?

No single wish, they tend to come in multiples, like my work.

Thanks Sadie for that rapid and enjoyable exchange and best wishes from the GFEST team.

For more information on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2011 please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org / www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
——————-
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Gay arts Festival In London Confronts Prejudices

2011-10-03T03:20:00.001-07:00

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GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in London is an annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) cross-art event in November that promises to showcase challenging art works and colourful talent from around the world. full programme on : www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST logo

Running from 7 to 20 November GFEST 2011 is a celebration of creativity and visual splendour exploring the minds and motives shaping the movement which is as artistic as it is political.
The festival includes a visual arts exhibition, short films screening, performances, workshops and debates that take place throughout venues in London. They will all engage with contemporary LGBTQ themes, challenging boundaries to tackle prejudices.
GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar is really excited about the upcoming event, “Everything this year takes you on a narrative journey that is unique, thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable.”
In the visual arts showcase at Dreamspace Gallery, artists such as Paul Chisholm, Wendy Elia and Simon Croft

At Last!

will make bold statements, celebrate the unexpectedness of gay marriage and explore gender identity using a Russian doll.

Trunks

This year short film screenings includes award winning filmmaker Darius Clark Monroe whose film ‘Slow’ deals with a blind date and the possibility that it might bring, a documentary film by Nola Grace Gaardmand, ‘Home for the Golden Gays’ focussing on refuge for elderly and vulnerable gays in Manila since 1969 and Jason Bradbury’s ‘We Once Were Tide’ which looks at Anthony and Kyle spending their last night together before Kyle moves away, leaving Anthony to look after his terminally ill mother.

London Gay Symphonic Winds

The third key area of this cross-art festival includes performances from Naechanè Valentino, EvOn Musicbully, stand up comedy from VG Lee and Janice Perry and Ezra Axelrod who takes the audiences on a musical journey through gay love, lust, heartbreak and reconciliation.
GFEST 2011 will also see some topical and lively debates, artist workshops and events that will take place in venues across London throughout the festival.
Full programme details and information about GFEST 2011 is available on http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————————
For more information, photography, in-depth stories or to arrange an interview with the artists or Niranjan Kamatkar, Artistic Director of GFEST 2011, please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
—————-
About GFEST
GFEST – Gaywise Festival is the premier LGBTQ annual cross-arts festival in London – a platform for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer artists. It’s produced and organised by arts charity Wise Thoughts and is the brainchild of Wise Thoughts’ Artistic Director Niranjan Kamatkar.
Wise Thoughts, established in 1999, creates dynamic arts initiatives such as GFEST and delivers services to help address social justice issues and needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
Wise Thoughts projects support community cohesion and aim to inform, raise awareness and promote socio – cultural diversity using arts as a key tool to engender social change. We work strategically with other statutory and voluntary organisations to help attain these objectives. We work locally (in Haringey and North London), regionally (London and the South East), nationally and internationally depending upon the nature of each project.
GFEST is now in its 5th year and this year it runs from 7 to 20 November in venues throughout London showcasing new and established artists and arts organisations from around the world.
The visual arts exhibition takes place from 7 to 19 November at the Dreamspace Gallery near The Barbican.
The short films section takes place from 8 – 10 November at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square.
The performance section runs from 17-19 November at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone.
The debate: East London – Homophobia & Transphobia, a culture and arts perspective is on 15 november at Rich Mix in Shoreditch / Bethnal Green.
Events, debates and workshops run from 7 to 20 November at the above venues as well as West Thames College, Gay’s the Word, MOSAIC Youth Centre and Ku Bar

Gay Art Festival In London GFEST Announced Variety Performance Evenings

2011-09-23T02:11:00.001-07:00

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Organisers of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, a cross-art annual event in November in London’s calendar, have announced three evenings of performances at The Cockpit. Three sensational variety performance evenings promising ‘the most fabulous Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) performers in town’ will take place on Thus 17, Fri 18 and Sat 19 November at 7.30 pm.
For full GFEST 2011 performances events programme please visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/performance.php

The main line-up is announced as below:

London Gay Symphonic Winds

Thursday 17 Nov: 7.30 pm – Performers: Marcus Reeves, Olifanttakeover Teatro, Johnny Guim, Ezra Axelrod, London Gay Symphonic Winds, and Denis Fernando.

V G LEE

Friday 18 Nov: 7.30 pm – Performers: Carly Bryant, Janice Perry, V G Lee, EvOn music bully and Holestar.

Naechanè Valentino

Saturday 19 Nov : 7.30 Pm – Performers: The Pink Singers, Guy Harries, Ste McCabe, Andra Simons & Stephane Roul and Naechanè Valentino.

On Fri 18 Nov, an interactive, exploratory theatre workshop ‘Queer Playback Theatre’ is planned at The Cockpit Studio 1 from 5 pm to 7 pm.

For more information, photography, in-depth stories or to arrange an interview with artists, Niranjan Kamatkar, Artistic Director of GFEST 2010 and Wise Thoughts, please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
—————-
info@wisethoughts.org www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.ukGFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

GFEST - Gaywise FESTival in London Announced 2011 Short Film Screenings Line-up

2011-09-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Organisers of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, a cross-art annual event in November in London’s calendar, announced three evenings of short films at Prince Charles Cinema. It is billed as ‘the most diverse and moving display of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) talent’. For full film events programme please visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening.php

Trunks

The screenings will take place on Tues 8, Wed 9 and Thus 10 Nov at 7.15 pm at Prince Charles Cinema, 7 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BY Online Booking info is on : http://princecharlescinema.com
Tuesday 8 Nov: 7.15 pm Film Screenings: Easy money (Dinero Facil), Slow,
Junk, Trunks, Lek and the Waterboy, Franswa Sharl and Blink.

Home for the Golden Gays

Wednesday 9 Nov : 7.15 pm Film Screenings: Chained!, Bones, Transition, DOUBLE BIND, Hammerhead, Fighting Chance, Home for the Golden Gays, Chercher Les Dames.

We Once Were Tide

Thursday 10 Nov : 7.15 pm Peccadillo Pictures Special Screening: Drowning, LOVE, 100°C, Cappuccino, We Once Were Tide and Spring.

GFEST 2011 video showreel is release on YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

For more information, photography, in-depth stories or to arrange an interview with artists, Niranjan Kamatkar, Artistic Director of GFEST 2010 and Wise Thoughts, please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————–
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Gay Cross-arts Festival in London Announces 2011 Line-up

2011-09-20T04:19:00.001-07:00

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Seed Newsvine
CROSS-ARTS AND CROSS-LONDON
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, ‘London’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) and queer cross – art festival for all’, has announced 2011 programme that reflects high artistic quality.

GFEST logo

This year the festival will take place across various London venues including The Dreamspace Gallery, Prince Charles Cinema, The Cockpit theatre and Rich Mix amongst other venues.
GFEST 2011 runs for two weeks from Monday 7 November 2011 to Sunday 20 November 2011.
The festival programme can be found on GFEST website:
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
The festival is recognised as one of the four key events taking place in the capital’s annual LGBT and Queer calendar.
NIRANJAN KAMATKAR, the artistic director of GFEST said, “We are proud to announce the much awaited GFEST 2011 line up for visual arts exhibition, film screenings and performances. We hope, the loyal LGBT and other audiences will provide maximum support to help meet the fundraising needs for this year.”

GFEST 2011 cover image

He added, “ Now in its fifth year, I still feel that we have barely scratched the surface of the enormous contemporary LGBTQ talent and artistic diversity that exists around us – and which makes great contributions to the national and international arts scene. I am confident that GFEST 2011 programme is a thrilling mix of high quality artistic presentations from the LGBT community.”
The festival focuses on three main categories covering Short Films, Visual Arts and Performances. Complementing the programme are a series of workshops, participatory theatre, debate and parties. It has been seen as ‘hugely successful art event’ where thousands of Londoners enjoy and benefit from the showcase of emerging and established gay talent.
——————–
For more information, photography, in-depth stories or to arrange an interview with artists, Niranjan Kamatkar, Artistic Director of GFEST 2010 and Wise Thoughts, please contact: Subodh Rathod, Wise Thoughts / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival
Tel: 020 8889 9555
info@wisethoughts.org
www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————–
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Why Gay Pride is important in 2011

2011-07-03T00:06:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Seed Newsvine

A Team from GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, London’s LGBT & queer arts festival for all in November, filmed on camera comments at Pride London. People were invited to comment on ‘Why Gay Pride is still important in 2011′ and the relevance of events like Pride in a vibrant, diverse city like London.

Comments at Pride London 2011

The comments were filmed as part of trailer of proposed Gay Talk Show – a news ‘analysis & features’ video magazine is released on YouTube, see the video link as :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doIg8_7XpsQ

GFEST 2011 programme selection will take place in July and programme to be announced by mid August 2011.
More info on London’s gay & lesbian / queer / LGBT / GLBT art festival: GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

IDAHO message: Say NO To Homophobia & Transphobia

2011-05-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

Seed Newsvine

A number of statutory bodies, voluntary events, news channels and community groups are sending a loud and clear message today for IDAHO : International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The message is: Together we can put a full stop to Homophobia & Transphobia.

Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne has sent a video message of support for IDAHO. It is an important awareness raising message since a shocking fact remains that Homosexuality is illegal in 77 countries and in 7 countries people are punished for their sexuality with death sentences. The Foreign office has also hosted two guest blogs on its website.

The TUC has published new workplace guidelines ‘LGBT Equality at Work’ to mark IDAHO, today.
We need to keep raising awareness of small or big violation of human rights. We also need to bring attention to discrimination and the issues and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBT people around the world.

Best wishes to IDAHO organisers for all the hard work that is put in.
_____________
GFEST 2011 call for submissions on festival website: http://gaywisefestival.org.uk/
Deadline to receive the entry forms: 27 June 2011.

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

London’s Gay Art Event Announced 2011 Selection Panel

2011-05-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

Seed Newsvine
This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

GFEST- Gaywise FESTival, recognised as London’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) and Queer cross art festival, has announced 2011 dates and festival programme Selection Panel names.
GFEST 2011 will take place between 7 to 20 November in venues across London.
Majority of GFEST programme is selected by the experts panel in July 2011, through open call for submissions on festival website: http://gaywisefestival.org.uk/    Direct links to:
GFEST 2011 visual arts submission form / GFEST 2011 short films submission form / GFEST 2011 performances submission form

Deadline to receive the entry forms: 27 June 2011.

GFEST 2011 selector CampbellX said,” GFEST is one of the few inclusive LGBT arts festivals. As a member of the selection panel, I am pleased to be chosen for my knowledge of LGBT films and the arts, not to make up an ethnic or minority quota.”

The names of GFEST 2011 Selection Panel: CampbellX, Chila Kumari Burman, Paul Burston, James Rocarols, Chiara Williams, Oliver Winchester and Niranjan Kamatkar.

Niranjan Kamatkar, GFEST director said, “We are delighted to have the support of some of London’s top galleries and venues in the past and we are committed to showcasing first-rate LGBT and queer arts. GFEST 2011 offers excellent platform for LGBT films, arts, performances and presents an ideal opportunity for sponsors to show their commitment to LGBT equality in all walks of life.”

---------

GFEST images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST
GFEST videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
http://twitter.com/GFEST

Gay Talk Show

2011-04-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

'Gay Talk Show’ Trailer Released On YouTube by London Festival Organiser

2011-04-08T04:23:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

Seed Newsvine
A 12 min teaser trailer of proposed Gay Talk Show – a news ‘analysis & features’ magazine show is released on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW9VRBspBKo
In the video clip Channel 4 diversity excecutive Baroness Oona King talks to author and journalist Helen Sandler about diversity issues in media.

Stephen Coote of Gay Business Association (GBA) comments upon present economic climate from gay businesses and GBA angle.

Publish Post

Thierry Schaffauser narrates the experiences of working as sex work activist.

Author and columnist Johann Hari talks on camera about ‘Is there a Gay Agenda’, post his speech at Village Drinks.

GFEST / Wise Thoughts videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

GFEST is NOW accepting online entries for 2011 programme on : http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London. GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

London's Gay Art Festival GFEST Announces 2011 Call For Entries

2011-03-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

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Now in its fifth year, GFEST, the premier LGBT annual cross-arts festival in London, has announced the call for entries for its 2011 programme to be held 7-20 November. Artists and performers are invited to send in submissions for consideration in three areas: Short Films, Visual Arts and Performances.

GFEST - Gaywise FESTival is known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art with a creative programme of exhibitions, challenging short films and live performances and events and entries will be judged on this basis. The festival is open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) and queer artists. Submissions should be made through its website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST is internationally recognised as high profile festival. Supporters and sponsors of the GFEST include Arts Council England, Prime Minister David Cameron, Boris Johnson Mayor of London, present ministers including Jeremy Hunt, ED Vaizey, Lynne Featherstone, and former ministers David Lammy MP, Ben Bradshaw MP and Lord Chris Smith. The festival is supported by celebrities like Stephen Fry, Sarah Waters and Peter Tatchell as well as London’s leading venues and museums including the National Gallery and V&A.

Invaluable to London’s diverse LGBT arts communities

NIRANJAN KAMATKAR, GFEST director said, “We are delighted to have the support of some of London’s top galleries and venues this year who are committed to our programme of first-rate LGBT and queer arts. GFEST 2011 offers excellent platform for LGBT films and art projects and presents an ideal opportunity for sponsors to show their commitment to LGBT equality in all walks of life.”

About GFEST – Gaywise FESTival: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival is the premier LGBT annual cross-arts festival in London - a platform for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and queer artists. Produced and organised by arts charity Wise Thoughts, GFEST is the brainchild of Wise Thoughts' Artistic Director Niranjan Kamatkar. Selection Panel for GFEST 2011, this year's cover images and updates will be published soon on GFEST web.

27 June 2011 is the deadline for submissions. GFEST 2011 dates: 7 to 20 November 2011

--------------------

Tel: + 44 (0)20 8889 9555

info@wisethoughts.org

www.wisethoughts.org / www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Video: 2011 Cover image released for London’s Gay Art Festival GFEST

2011-03-11T03:15:00.000-08:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

Seed Newsvine GFEST – Gaywise FESTival released 2011 cover images with call for submissions video on its flickr & YouTube channels and below:
GFEST is NOW accepting online entries for 2011 programme on : http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

GFEST - Gaywise FESTival 2011 Cover Image

Video: London’s LGBT queer fest GFEST – Gaywise FESTival announces 2011 call for submissions on its website: http://gaywisefestival.org.uk/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPpL6DLh_U4

GFEST / Wise Thoughts videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
GFEST pictures, Images on : http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/
GFEST is NOW accepting online entries for 2011 programme on : http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/
More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London. GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar
http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gfest
http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/
http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar
http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

GFEST 2010 Visual Arts Exhibition And Censorship

2010-12-13T05:06:00.001-08:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

Seed Newsvine
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010 visual arts exhibition was held at Hampstead Town Hall in November 2010. While the festival organisers were putting up the exhibits that came from all over the UK and a few places across the world (the selection and organisation of the festival programme takes a good few months) they received a notification from the Hampstead Town Hall management, run by WAC, to cover a list of the artworks on two weekdays evenings and weekends when the exhibition was closed. Jane Hoy, one of the volunteers at the exhibition and a freelance writer has written and published an article on this censorship.

GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar said, “It was an extremely difficult decision that we faced. GFEST is a showcase for LGBT / glbt or gay artworks, films and performances that help challenge preconceived notions and also among the hard to reach communities, which the venue attracts. We opted for exhibiting the work as per the exhibition open times and comply with the venue stipulation. This was also in the hope that the town hall management would reconsider on the days, which they didn’t and insisted on covering the artworks on every occasion – post the official exhibition closing times."

The reasons provided for this censorship was that very young people (4 to 5 year old ) and their parents use the space during those times and the images might cause offense and may create security issues.

Niranjan said, “It was a no-win and very traumatic last minute decision, either to take down the exhibition or be forced to comply with their decision while also managing the rest of festival activities. Considering the lack of resources and recourse to an alternative venue, we opted for the latter and ensure that the exhibition goes ahead and viewers can make up their own mind whether the work warranted the censorship. Also we hope to engender a robust debate to combat any possibilities of future censorship of gay art on a technicality.”
He added, “We support the idea of alternative exhibition in near future of the artworks from this GFEST 2010 exhibition and are working towards it.”

The GFEST organisers have written to Hampstead Town Hall Trustees / board of management to seek their official response but haven’t heard anything as yet.

————
In its fourth year, GFEST 2010 showcased short films, performances and visual artworks in exhibitions.
Full programme: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/
————
GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST
————
GFEST videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
———
More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London. GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

London's Gay Art Festival GFEST 2010 Concludes On A High Note

2010-11-22T03:37:00.000-08:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Seed Newsvine
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, recognised as ‘London’s LGBT & Queer Festival for all’ had its 2010 closing performance event on the last Saturday night.
Denis Fernando a GFEST artists was the final act for this year’s performance events, who presented his own piano compositions. Over hundred artists participated in GFEST 2010 activities which included two visual arts exhibitions, short film screenings, film events and variety performances in venues across London during 8 to 21 November. A debate at V & A and lunchtime talk at the National Gallery were some of the key features.

Official GFEST logo & website link

The festival had a launch reception in Parliament, hosted by David Lammy, MP and was attended by Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, South Bank Centre’s artistic director Jude Kelly and Margot James, MP amongst others. The festival also received messages of support from the Prime Minister David Cameron, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the past & present Ministers for Culture and Arts, including Jeremy Hunt and Ed Vaizey. Stephen Fry, Sarah Waters, Peter Tatchell and Lord Chris Smith had also extended their support to the festival.
GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar said, “As organisers, we are pleased with overall response to this year’s GFEST programme. Initial figures show that feedback was very positive and encouraging with a number of events were enjoyed by the audiences and the artists alike. We thank everyone, particularly GFEST 2010 artists, who have made GFEST an exiting annual event in London’s cultural calendar.”
————
In its fourth year, GFEST 2010 showcased short films, performances and visual artworks in exhibitions.
Full programme: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/
————
GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST
————
GFEST videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
———
More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London. GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Gay Art Festival in London GFEST Started With A Bang This Week

2010-11-10T02:45:00.000-08:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

Seed Newsvine
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, recognised as ‘London’s LGBT & Queer Festival for all’ had a launch reception in the UK Parliament last week. David Lammy, MP, hosted the launch reception for GFEST 2010 and the event was attended by Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, South Bank Centre’s artistic director Jude Kelly and Margot James, MP.

GFEST 2010 Launch

The festival received messages of support from the Prime Minister David Cameron, Mayor of London Boris Johnson and the past & present Ministers for Culture and Arts, including Jeremy Hunt and Ed Vaizey.
GFEST 2010 events started on 8 November and exciting art events are planned for every day during the following 2 weeks until 21 November.
SOME KEY EVENTS: GFEST 2010 film events at Rich Mix on 11, 12, 13 Nov, Performances at Cochrane Theatre on 18, 19, 20 Nov, Debate at V & A on 16 Nov and Parties in various venues are some of the exciting attractions.

GFEST 2010 Launch

GFEST 2010 Visual Arts Exhibition is at Hampstead Town Hall & a Special Exhibition based on ’15 min of Same Sex Kiss installation in Trafalgar Square’ is presented by GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar in Westminster Ref Library.

The organisers of the festival have appealed to artists, art enthusiasts, tourist visiting to the UK capital and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community members to help spread a word and attend the exciting events.
Full 2010 festival programme and booking information is on: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
————
Now in its fourth year, GFEST 2010 will showcase short films, performances and visual artworks in exhibitions this year.
Full programme: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/
————
GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST
————
GFEST videos on http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
———
More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

London’s Gay Art Festival GFEST 2010 Launched in Parliament

2010-11-03T06:36:00.001-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Seed Newsvine

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, recognised as ‘London’s LGBT & Queer Festival for all’ had a launch reception yesterday in the UK Parliament. David Lammy, MP, hosted the launch reception for GFEST 2010 and the event was attended by Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, South Bank Centre’s artistic director Jude Kelly and Margot James, MP.

GFEST 2010 Launch

GFEST 2010 starts next week on Monday 8 November and events are
planned for every day during the next 2 weeks until 21 November.

The organisers of the festival have appealed to artists, art enthusiasts, tourist visiting to the UK capital and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community members to help spread a word and attend the exciting events.

Full 2010 festival programme and booking information is on: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
———————

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Prime Minister David Cameron Supports London’s Gay Art Festival GFEST

2010-10-29T02:45:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence. Seed Newsvine

The Prime Minister David Cameron sent a message of support to London’s LGBT and Queer art festival GFEST – Gaywise FESTival.

The Prime Minister David Cameron

In his message The Rt Hon David Cameron said that he is very pleased to be supporting this year’s GFEST.
He added, “It is absolutely right that London should host such a celebration of new and established artist. And this festival is a real testament to the creativity and diversity of our gay artists and the vital contribution they make to the UK’s cultural scene.”

For the full message of support from the Prime Minister please visit GFEST official website : http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/index.php
———
GFEST is also supported by dignitaries, Ministers and MPs from all the leading parties, various London boroughs and Arts Council England.
———
Now in its fourth year, GFEST 2010 will showcase short films, performances and visual artworks in exhibitions this year.

Full programme: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

Film Events Details Released By GFEST 2010, London’s Gay Art Festival

2010-10-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

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Seed Newsvine

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, London’s LGBT and Queer festival for all, released further details of this year’s short film programme that will take place at Rich Mix Cinema in East London. GFEST 2010 films will be screened on 11, 12 and 13 November 2010 with two screenings each night, first one at 7.30PM and the second at 9.30PM. The Film screenings are suitable for 18+ audiences.

The Jones

GFEST 2010 short films details are announced: Screening 1: Thursday 11 November at 7.30PM and Saturday 13 November at 9.30PM (18). Films that will be screened: EL MUEBLE DE LAS FOTOS, BROKEN, DELPHINIUM: A CHILDHOOD PORTRAIT OF DEREK JARMAN, PICTURES OF ZAIN, IDENTITY CRISIS, DRUM HEART
Screening 2: Friday 12 November at 7.30PM and Thursday 11 November at 9.30PM (18). Films that will be screened: KISS BOXING, MAKE A MATE, CHAGALL’S LITTLE GOAT, MIX BREED, MOSAIC: LOVE AND MARRIAGE, ALLES AN MIR
Screening 3: Saturday 13 November at 7.30 PM and Friday 12 November at 9.30PM (18). Films that will be screened: THE JONESES, DADDY’S BIG GIRL, DESIGIRLS!, THE CHEF’S LETTER, CANNIBALS, PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT

Alles An Mir

Delphinium

There are ‘free entry’ and fun events such as GFEST 2010 art party on 12 November starting at 10 pm and guests are advised to ‘dress up as works of art, bring out best DIVA costumes and party the night away!’
GFEST 2010 film cafes will take place on 11, 12 and 13 November between 6.30 and 7.25 PM. These are informal advice sessions led by film Industry experts for potential and young LGBT filmmakers.
The organisers of the festival have appealed to audience members to get in touch with Rich Mix for booking details on 020 7613 7498.

GFEST 2010 short film screenings ( 2 Screenings each night) programme info: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening.php
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

London MP David Lammy supports GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010

2010-10-07T02:50:00.000-07:00

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Seed Newsvine

Honourable member of United Kingdom Parliament, Mr David Lammy sent a warm message of support to London’s LGBT art festival GFEST. GFEST – Gaywise FESTival has announced an exciting and ambitious 2010 programme recently on its website: gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST 2010 will run from 8 Nov to 21 Nov 2010.

David Lammy

Mr Lammy, in his message of support, says, “City of London is exceptional in its highly diverse people and cultural expressions, and so is uniquely placed to promote inclusivity, diversity and tolerance in both the UK and the wider world. GFEST is doing just this: its events are attended by all Londoner’s, regardless of their sexuality, and it serves as an important way of ensuring LGBT culture breaks the barriers into the minority community where being a homosexual, let alone expressing it, continues to be discriminated against.”
He added he would like to express his admiration and support of ‘both this wonderful festival’ and of the work of Wise Thoughts, the art charity that organises the festival. Mr Lammy is a key patron of the organisation.
For full message of support, please check: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/dl_statement.html
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST for short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

A London Festival splashes gay talent in the virtual world

2010-10-05T03:59:00.000-07:00

Seed Newsvine

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In present day virtual world of internet, where young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people are calling to end cyberbullying, one festival in London has taken proactive steps to build a good image of LGBT role models.

GFEST - Gaywise FESTival 2010

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, which is recognised as London’s LGBT art festival for all, is using online media to promote GFEST 2010 artists’ views, films and interviews on it’s online networks (listed below and on GFEST website).

The actual festival will take place in venues across London from 8 to 21 November 2010.
The full festival programme can be found on GFEST website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

The festival focuses on three categories covering Short Films, Visual Arts and Performances. Complementing the programme are a series of talks, debate and parties. It has been seen as hugely successful art event where thousands of Londoners enjoy and benefit from the showcase of emerging and established gay talent.

NIRANJAN KAMATKAR, artistic director of GFEST said, “We are proud to present young and trendsetting talent. GFEST 2010 artists will benefit from this year’s online promotions that should go a long way to create good role models amongst young people in cyberspace.”

GFEST is recognised as one of the four key events taking place in the capital’s annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) calendar.

DAVID LAMMY, MP for Tottenham, and a key patron of GFEST said in his recent message, “The festival is one of few that champions the critical issue of engagement between the strands of racial and LGBT equality; several of those I know personally have experienced double discrimination on these counts.”

Now in its fourth year, GFEST is supported by the Mayor of London, dignitaries, Ministers and MPs from all the leading parties, various London boroughs and Arts Council England.
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Proud and ‘Moving’ Short Films at London’s gay festival GFEST

2010-09-24T06:19:00.001-07:00

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GFEST 2010 Short Films Screenings and informal ‘Film Cafe’ advice events will be held at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green. The screenings will take place on 11, 12 and 13 November 2010 at 7.30 and 9.30 PM. Screening and events details can be found on GFEST website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening.php

Make A Mate - Pigtails

Picture of Zain

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, ‘London’s LGBT and queer cross – art festival for all’, will take place across London in prestigious venues.
Truly cross medium, GFEST 2010 programme features, in brief, amongst many others:
PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT from DOMINIC LECLERC opens with a cruising scene at an underground archway, where Saleem and Daz embark on a dangerous, thrilling sexual adventure.
KENT THOMAS’S BROKEN looks at young hustler who relives his dark journey from an upper middle class home to living and working on the street.
A timely documentary from MICHAEL URWIN, gay couples discuss love, marriage, religion and spirituality, heroes and hopes for the future generation in MOSAIC: LOVE AND MARRIAGE.

Identity Crisis

DESI GIRLS!

‘KISS BOXING’ by CORRINE BOT: game in which the opponent is being knocked out – by a kiss.
MOBY LONGINOTTO’S platinum blonde Jheri Jones lives on a remote trailer park in Mississippi. But unbeknown to her neighbours Jheri has a secret in THE JONESES.
Changing Identities & Shifting Politics:
NIRANJAN KAMATKAR, the artistic director of GFEST said, “We are exited about the trendsetting talent such as filmmakers Faryal, Matthew Mishory, Ishita Shrivastava, Silvia Novelli and various other Internationally recognised Filmmakers.”
In it’s forth year, GFEST is supported by the Mayor of London, celebrities and stars, Ministers and MPs
from all the leading parties and Arts Council England.
LONDON: GAY ART FESTIVAL : GFEST 2010 showreel on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJ9UWJX1fg

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GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest
GFEST 2010 Short Films: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/sets/72157624995610876/
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

GFEST 2010: Pink Performers in London Theatre

2010-09-23T08:31:00.000-07:00

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London’s favourite Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and queer art fest GFEST 2010 performances will take place at Cochrane Theatre in Holborn on 18, 19 and 20 November at 7.30 PM. More info: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/performance.php
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, ‘London’s LGBT and queer cross – art festival for all’, has announced an exciting and ambitious 2010 programme. The festival will take place across London in prestigious venues.

Z-Star

Truly cross-medium, this year’s Variety Evenings line-up features, amongst many others:

Guy Harries

Artistic Director of Homo Promos and acclaimed performer, director PETER SCOTT-PRESTLAND will present a semi-autobiographical cabaret show of original witty sketches, songs, savage political satire, and personal revelations from 1973 to the present.
An accomplished performer and a regular on BBC Radio 7, LORRAINE BOWEN, will be playing her Casio organ on its ironing board stand, dancing to hits from her albums, entertaining with hilarious surreal stories…she’ll have you in stitches in no time!
A Peggy Ramsay Foundation award winner, hugely talented MARCUS REEVES will present a delightfully witty collection of songs and poetry from a decade long performance career.
A prolific performer at festivals such as Edinburgh Fringe, Glastonbury Festival and Sydney Mardi Gras, ROSIE WILBY reflects musically on her days trying to make it in the music business at the height of Britpop.
GFEST (08/09) performer GUY HARRIS presents ‘A homage and personal interpretation’ of glam rock star Jobriath’s most moving, witty songs.
Listed in the 30 most influential LGBTQ people in Chicago by Windy City Times, International performer NIKKI PATIN presents a solo show blending music, spoken word and burlesque.

Amphibia

Diverse stories – unique approaches:
NIRANJAN KAMATKAR, the artistic director of GFEST said, “It’s a great and unique mix of talents from diverse acts such as Zorras, Patricide and Amphibia along with solo performers such as Katja von Kassel, Denis Fernando and Mandy Romero.”

JEREMY HUNT, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport said, “The Festival is an extremely popular event in the LGBT calendar and is an exciting platform for both London and the arts.”

Katja Von Kasel

STEPHEN FRY in his recent message to GFEST- Gaywise FESTival said that he is “Proud and happy to support GFEST 2010, which does so much to promote the work of LGBT artists everywhere.”

Former Minister for Culture BEN BRADSHAW, MP, said in his message, ” I particularly welcome that this year’s festival will welcome not only artists from our own shores, but LGBT artists from all over Europe and beyond across a broad range of arts media – the only London-based LGBT arts festival to celebrate and provide this cross-arts LGBT platform.”

GFEST is celebrating its fourth year this year with the support of Mayor of London, dignitaries, Ministers and MPs from all the leading parties, various London boroughs and Arts Council England.

LONDON: GAY ART FESTIVAL : GFEST 2010 showreel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJ9UWJX1fg
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GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest
GFEST 2010 Performers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/sets/72157624995681186/
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Rainbow Colours To Brighten Up London’s Annual Gay Art Festival

2010-09-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

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CROSS-ARTS AND CROSS-LONDON

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, ‘London’s LGBT and queer cross – art festival for all’, has announced an exciting and ambitious 2010 programme. GFEST 2010 Visual arts exhibition is held over two weeks at Hampstead Town Hall from Monday 8 November 2010 to Saturday 20 November 2010. A special visual art exhibition based on an installation in Trafalgar Square The 15 minutes of Same Sex Kiss, will be presented by artist and film-maker Niranjan Kamatkar in the Westminster Reference Library from 8 to 20 November.

The festival visual arts programme can be found on GFEST website:
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/artsexhibition.php

Just Friends

GFEST exhibitions are hugely successful art events where Londoners enjoy and benefit from the Free Entry showcasing of emerging and established gay talent.

Freedom to Love

Truly cross medium, GFEST 2010 programme features, in brief, amongst many others:

New Zealander XAVIER RADIC who has exhibited in Strasbourg, New York and San Francisco. He is a curator of many art exhibitions in New Zealand and has been invited again to show at the Florence Biennale 2011.

HELEN CHURCHILL returns to GFEST after 2008, and has exhibited work at a number of venues and has completed several private commissions for clients in the UK.

London based MATTHEW STRADLING was selected by Sothebys to represent Britain in the Young Artist International Touring Exhibition and was also selected for the BP Portrait Award Exhibition.

MAITREE SIRIBOON has exhibited in Italy, Singapore, Indonesia, Netherlands, Malaysia – and Thailand, where he lives and works as artist and curator for Whitespace Gallery .

Amordazado

Communicating the diverse voices effectively:

NIRANJAN KAMATKAR, the artistic director of GFEST said, “We are pleased to present the work of talented artists such as Jason C Woodson, Simon Croft and Be Kosc, alongside other accomplished British and International artists. I am confident that GFEST 2010 programme is a thrilling mix of diversity with the widest possible range of life-changing artistic expressions from the LGBT community.”

In his message of support gay and human rights activist PETER TATCHELL said that GFEST artists are in the “frontline of queer culture, articulating our identities, experiences, triumphs and tragedies.” He also noted, “At a time when arts funding is threatened, it is more important than ever to support GFEST. Go See.”

Jack & Jill series

Now in its fourth year, GFEST is supported by the Mayor of London, dignitaries, Ministers and MPs from all the leading parties, various London boroughs and Arts Council England.
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GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest
GFEST 2010 Visual Art : http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/sets/72157624870998137/
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LONDON: GAY ART FESTIVAL : GFEST 2010 showreel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJ9UWJX1fg
More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Past And Present UK Culture Ministers support London’s Gay Art-Fest GFEST : 2010 programme announced

2010-09-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

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GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, ‘London’s LGBT and queer cross – art festival for all’, received a message of support from Ben Bradshaw, MP and former Minister for Culture, Media and Sports. The Festival is also supported by present Culture Minister Jeremy Hunt and Lord Chris Smith, who was a former Secretary of State for Culture.

GFEST has announced an exciting and ambitious 2010 programme. The festival will take place across London in prestigious venues including The National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Rich Mix, Hampstead Town Hall and Cochrane Theatre, from 8 to 21 November 2010. The full festival programme can be found on GFEST website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

Ben Bradshaw MP

In his message Mr Bradshaw said,”It is a great pleasure to provide a statement in support of the GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010. GFEST is growing as an important, annual event in the LGBT Arts calendar of London building, year on year, bigger audiences drawn from the diverse range of London’s communities and, importantly, from way beyond the LGBT community itself. The success of cultural initiatives such as this remind us the importance of the arts as a key tool in promoting awareness and community cohesion.”

He added, ” I particularly welcome that this year’s festival will welcome not only artists from our own shores, but LGBT artists from all over Europe and beyond across a broad range of arts media – the only London-based LGBT arts festival to celebrate and provide this cross-arts LGBT platform. I wish all those involved every success.”

Niranjan Kamatkar, the artistic director of GFEST said, “When I met Mr Bradshaw earlier this year, he acknowleded that LGBT or queer arts sector needs to get wider support. I am confident with GFEST 2010 thrilling programme, we can ensure more support for the artists in the future. GFEST 2010 line up promises the widest possible range of life-changing artistic expressions from the LGBT community.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwJ9UWJX1fg
GFEST 2010 showreel on Youtube

GFEST 2010 artists were selected through an open call, applications were received from all over UK and the world including USA, Europe, Israel and Thailand. The selection panel members had a hard task of selecting the entries due to high calibre of work. The Festival is recognised as one of the four key events taking place in the capital’s annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) calendar.
Invaluable to London’s diverse LGBT arts communities – MAYOR OF LONDON
JEREMY HUNT, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport said, “The Festival is an extremely popular event in the LGBT calendar and is an exciting platform for both London and the arts.”
Now in its fourth year, GFEST is supported by the Mayor of London, dignitaries, Ministers and MPs from all the leading parties, various London boroughs and Arts Council England.

GFEST 2010 images on http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest
GFEST 2010 Performers: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/sets/72157624995681186/
GFEST 2010 Short Films: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/sets/72157624995610876/
GFEST 2010 Visual Art : http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/sets/72157624870998137/

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport supports London’s Gay Art Festival GFEST

2010-09-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

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Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, the cabinet minister for Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sports said that he is delighted to provide message of support to GFEST- Gaywise FESTIval.

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival is recognised as London’s annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgeder) cross-art, cross-venues festival. Supported by the Mayor of London, this year’s GFEST programme will be announced soon on the web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST 2010 dates are: 8 November to 21 November.

Mr Hunt has extended his support to the festival from 2008 and helped launch GFEST 2008 at the Houses of Parliament.

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt

The Full statement of support reads as:

“I am delighted, once again, to provide a statement of support for the GFEST – Gaywise FESTival. Now in its 4^th year, the Festival is an extremely popular event in the LGBT calendar and is an exciting platform for both London and the arts.

This year, the work of national and international artists will be on display as part of the Festival’s fantastic programme and the V & A and National Gallery, amongst other landmark venues, are hosting events. I wish all involved every success.”

Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP
Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport

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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

GFEST: Gay Art Festival in London to Annouce 2010 Line-up

2010-09-08T03:20:00.000-07:00

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GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, which is recognised as London’s annual LGBT Art Festival for all, is ready to announce its 2010 programme very soon on: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST which is supported by Mayor of London and a number of dignitaries and artists will take place in the capital of United Kingdom (UK) from Monday 8 November 2010 to Sunday 21 November 2010 (2 weeks).
The programme will show a range of diversity from the gay ART PRIDE event that is know as GFEST for short. In it’s fourth year now, GFEST will present cutting edges of Proud and Loud Performances (from 18 to 20 Nov) at Cochrane Theatre in Holborn, ‘Moving’ glbt Short Films at Rich Mix in Bethnal Green (from 11 to 13 Nov), Vibrant Rainbow Colours of Visual Arts in two Exhibitions (from 8 to 21 Nov) and a number of exciting events, debates, talks and parties (from 8 to 21 Nov) in venues across London.

Official GFEST logo & website link

In his message of support well known gay and human rights activists PETER TATCHELL said that GFEST artists are in the “frontline of queer culture, articulating our identities, experiences, triumphs and tragedies.” He urged people to go and see the festival. STEPHEN FRY in his recent message to GFEST- Gaywise FESTival said that he is “Proud and happy to support GFEST 2010, which does so much to promote the work of LGBT artists everywhere.” Renowned author SARAH WATERS said, “GFEST is a celebration of the wonderful diversity.. It’s so inspiring to see LGBT arts showcased in this way. I hope GFEST just gets bigger, bolder and more beautiful, year by year!”

GFEST has been seen as being hugely successful in recent years, with thousands of Londoners benefiting from the showcasing of emerging and established gay talent.

The festival is supported by leading parties in the UK. Arts charity Wise Thoughts, which organise the festival, would like to thank, for the continued support from Hon David Lammy, MP and one of the patrons of Wise Thoughts, Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of Culture Media and Sports and Equalities Minster Hon Lynne Featherstone, MP.

More updates to follow soon.
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Stephen Fry: Proud and happy to support GFEST 2010

2010-09-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

STEPHEN FRY in his message to GFEST- Gaywise FESTival said today that he is “Proud and happy to support GFEST 2010, which does so much to promote the work of LGBT artists everywhere.”

Stephen Fry - recent pic on Twitter

The organisers of GFEST, London’s annual LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) cross-art fest in November, were happy to receive a lovely message from the star author and performer, who is often referred as a ‘National Treasure’ and is celebrating the launch of his recent book: The Fry Chronicles.

Mr Fry added, “You couldn’t do better than add your own support. Much Love."

‘Much love’ to Stephen from GFEST too!

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Why does a ‘queer’ artist want to photograph cows?

2010-08-31T02:39:00.000-07:00

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by Neil Young

“The assumption that animals are without rights and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality.” Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860)
I smile a wry smile: a colleague who is looking at some of my images has just asked me “why do you photograph cows?” with a look of slight mockery, his eyes starting to mist over with boredom. It is at least a change from “are those sheep gay?’, although in all fairness to the animals I photograph, evidence of them forming a modern Western sexual identity might be tricky to capture in just one shoot. My current work is provocative, exploring the relationship between people and farmed animals given how little contact most of us have with them.

I have always been creative – from an early interest in acting, design and creative writing at school to my more recent attempts at stand up comedy, improvisation and now photography. And I have always loved animals, spending days as a child playing with my plastic animal family – anything from giraffes, leopards and reindeer to pigs, sheep and cows. Now, as an adult, I have my dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called George, who reminds me every day why the emotional experience of animals has much to teach us all.

In between times I have been drawn to politics and tackling injustices between people: I have been privileged, as a youth worker and then working for both Mayors of London, to represent LGBT people and develop projects that tackle homophobia. I have also been involved in anti-racist campaigns since I was sixteen, when I organised buses to take students from my college in Harrow to protest the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in southeast London .

As with any fledging artist it has been important to find people that I can trust and who have helped me nurture my creativity. I have had great support from the Gay Photographers’ Network and took part in the group’s official exhibition during Pride London’s 2010 Festival Fortnight. Many of the images in the show did have desire and sexuality as an important focus – or what I might call ‘men in (or out of) pants’ pictures – which are no surprise especially given the history of state criminalisation of queer behaviour: for some gay photographers these images would have been dangerous to imagine and make when they were younger.

Yet for me, my work comes from a different place inside me, even though it is informed by my experiences of gender and sexuality as a queer man. For example, I do believe that creating sanctuary to rescue, care and protect the unwanted can be a queer dynamic, with both its underlying truth of doing for others what you really need for yourself and reflected in the large numbers of women and LGBT people who run and support animal sanctuaries throughout the UK.

I am proud that my work challenges the gendered view that farmed animals are dull, dumb, domestic (feminine) creatures of little interest compared to the excitement of studying dangerous, unpredictable, powerful (masculine) animals in the wild. As ever, reality is more complicated. Domesticated animals have complex emotional worlds, for example, pigs crave affection and are easily depressed if isolated or denied the chance to play with each other and chickens can anticipate future events and exercise self-control (bless them).

I believe that key LGBT cultural events in the capital such as Pride London, the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, LGBT History Month and GFEST – Gaywise FESTival have a crucial role to play, alongside vibrant clubs, the alternative scene and voluntary groups in offering opportunities for artists to have exposure and develop their art, as they would want to rather than merely following popular stereotypes of ‘gay art’.

Yet, as someone who has always been involved in community life, I do not want to be pigeon-holed as a male, queer or vegan artist: everyone can have a response to my images as they raise universal questions. What is it like for us to look an individual cow, sheep, pig or chicken in the eye? How do we imagine farmed animals experience the world? And how can these animals, especially those living on animal sanctuaries, who have often experienced great acts of violence themselves, spark memories, empathy and imagination in us all?

Neil Young’s solo show ‘You, like me: intimate portraits of farmed animals’ is on between 3rd and 31st October 2010 at First Out Café Bar. Neil invites you to visit the show and for more information check: http://www.firstoutcafebar.com/page9.htm and from 5 Octoberhttp://www.neilyoungphotography.co.uk
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Charity Turns To Online Giving To Raise Funds

2010-08-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

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A number of charitable arts organisations are working on innovative ways of fundraising to cover the costs of their activities in the present economic climate. GFEST – Gaywise FESTival is currently looking to focus on individual donors to support some of this year’s festival activities. GFEST is an annual event in London’s LGBT calendar in November and will be announcing the exciting 2010 festival line-up soon. WISE THOUGHTS is the arts charity that organises GFEST.

The organisers are inviting arts donors to join the Special Friend Scheme. The Special Friend donors are to get an unrivalled access to events, parties and the festival organisers and GFEST artists themselves during the festival period. GFEST 2010 will take place in venues across London from 8 to 21 November.

Scott Cole of the GFEST donation scheme said, “We hope to continue to attract prominent LGBT members donating generously to ensure that GFEST becomes an even stronger platform for rarely supported LGBT arts and artists.”

The festival’s artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar added, “Since funding for the arts now is facing uncertainty more than ever, it is vitally important that we receive the continuing sponsorships, and help from donotion plans such as Special Friends of GFEST to help ensure the success and longevity of the festival.”

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Peter Tatchell Says It Is More Important Than Ever To Support GFEST

2010-08-23T02:31:00.000-07:00

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Last week, the human rights activist and campaigner Peter Tatchell sent a message of support to London’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) cross-art fest: GFEST – Gaywise FESTival.
I n his message Mr Tatchell said, “At a time when arts funding is threatened by the government cuts, it is more important than ever to support GFEST."

Peter Tatchell is a well-known campaigner for LGBT and human rights across the world

The full message of support is posted on GFEST web : http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
The well-known campaigner speaks highly of many LGBTI artists and performers that GFEST showcases and thinks they are in the front-line of queer culture, articulating our identities, experiences, triumphs and tragedies.

Mr Tatchell urges LGBT/ glbt and queer identified community members to go and attend the GFEST 2010 events. GFEST 2010 programme will be announced on GFEST web in early September. Last year British Airways mentioned GFEST as most significant annual occurrences in London’s eclectic LGBT calendar.
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More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Celebrity Support For The Gay Rights

2010-08-17T05:50:00.001-07:00

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A number of celebrity speaking positively in media has helped a great deal to bring focus to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT / glbt) or queer issues, so much so, that some issues have become much celebrated causes. ‘Prop 8′ after Lady Gaga reportedly penning a new song post the result of the court case, sounds to be one of them. More interestingly, Daniel Radcliffe reportedly suggesting stigma around LGB and Trans issues is now ‘less of an issue’ may sound true to several observers, but the reality on the ground can differ for each LGB or Trans individual when they challenge any homophobic or transphobic situation that they may face.

Celebrity support for gay issues is often desired in areas such as gay adoption, gay art and entertainment, gay marriage, bullying in school of LGBT students and tackling homophobia and transphobia in social spheres. More of it should deliver greater social justice for LGBT people across the world. However last week, Stephen Fry had to point his criticism towards The Independent on Sunday’s Pink List, despite being featured as the third most influential gay person in the UK, for the ‘insult’ to TV presenter Louie Spence who was included in the pink ‘rogues’ gallery’. Fry, who is often referred as the ‘national treasure’, was right in addressing the issue, to correct someone’s error. Actress Emma Thompson’s joke about Isle of Wight ‘stones homosexuals there?’ was seen as offensive to its residents. And George Michael’s arrest became a news headline on gay and other news websites when he was briefly booked on charges of drug possession and driving offenses.

There must be great pressure on celebrities to provide entertaining or newsworthy quotes and it is not an easy job if their comments are open to misinterpretation. Although sometimes, it seems odd to listen to some, not necessarily the above mentioned, celebrity soundbites on gay issues.

There is always a demand for influential celebrity messages endorsing the work of grass-root LGBT community organisations and for stars to act in small budget gay films and theatre projects. Perhaps, more visible and proactive support to a number of smaller gay voluntary organisations, working tirelessly and resourcefully, should help.
__________________________________

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Time For Gay Marraige To Move From Debate To Certainty

2010-08-10T02:37:00.001-07:00

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Last week, Mexican Supreme Court rejected a constitutional challenge to legalise same-sex marriage, opening door for issues like allowing gay adoptions. A few hours before the Mexican ruling, U.S. federal judge in California struck down ‘Prop 8′ as unconstitutional. The ruling is reported to be sent for an appeal and will take its due course in the U.S. Supreme Court.

In South America, Argentina legalised gay marriage recently. Some other countries who have legalised gay marriage are Belgium, Canada, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and South Africa.

It may be debatable as to whether ‘institute of marriage’ is right for gay or same-sex unions and what role should be played by the religious bodies and their leaders. Also, whether all same-sex couples should opt for marriage as opposed to civil union option. Since ‘Men and women of marriageable age have the right to marry and to found a family’ is a part of the Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights, it naturally invites simplistic argument: if the right to marry is denied to two consenting adults who are in their proper frame of mind, it is only on the basis of their sexual orientation. A choice of marriage for same-sex partners can clearly demonstrate social and cultural acceptance of the same-sex relations to a greater degree. Allowing a widely acceptable form of relationship can feed into much better social justice and cultural cohesion.

If we have one set of rules because of religious considerations, then there is a need of clear rationale for the basis. Some studies show LGBT people are equally responsible people, if not more, to honour the commitments and responsibilities that a ‘family unit’ can bring. Hence the denial of a marriage option does not go well with our present cultural ethics which are based on beliefs of equality in democratic societies.
There have been countless debates on gay marriage issue for a long time, but last year’s Gay Britain Survey opinion from a younger generation shows a majority acceptance of gay marriage. The view from that side of Atlantic seems to follow a growing norm that should shift wider majority opinion for the support of gay marriage.

- posted by Niranjan Kamatkar

Niranjan Kamatkar is artistic director of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in London.

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises annual GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in November, across London venues.

We need to hear more confident gay Hindu voices.

2010-08-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

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Religion & Sexuality - Gay and Hindu going together:
Channel 4 is presenting a brief documentary on the topic of being Gay and Hindu. It is a short film providing personal perspective of practising Hindu Subodh Rathod on Wednesday 4 August at 7.55 PM. Subodh lives with his partner of over 15 years Niranjan Kamatkar, and his mum, and explains why he feels that his religion is compatible with his homosexuality.

It is a good balance to be able to hear a gay Hindu voice on National Television, with a supportive message from Subodh’s mother about his openly gay identity.

Subodh mentioned, “When I was approached to participate, I had no idea about who else is taking take part in this film series. But I was touched by the fact that my mum was willing to say a few words on my sexuality for broadcast, post my father’s recent death - who was also very supportive of my open gay identity.”
Subodh feels that a positive message can offer younger gay Hindu people much-needed hope to embrace their own diverse identities and can give support to others who are looking for answers to their own lives. He added, ” invisibility of Gay Hindus is alarming in the UK and we need to hear more confident and diverse LGBT voices from all walks of live.”

Subodh’s partner and GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar said, ” A year ago we met a young Hindu gay man from Leicester came to discuss his coming out issues. After meeting him, both Subodh and I were very concerned that some young gay people still face exactly same fears and stigma that we faced 25 or 30 years ago. As if nothing has changed in all these years.”

Both Subodh and Niranjan felt that taking part in this film was an extension of their work at arts Charity Wise Thoughts which delivers London’s cross-art fest GFEST – Gaywise FESTival and services to help address social justice issues and needs of LGBT and BAME communities via art and cultural initiatives.

posted by Stephen Howard

Stephen Howard is a trustee of Wise Thoughts, arts charity that organises London’s annual art fest GFEST - Gaywise FESTival in November.

GFEST online networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/GFEST http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com http://www.yoursemotionally.com http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Culture Minister admires work of London’s gay art festival

2010-07-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

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London
Minister for Culture Ed Vaizey met the organisers of ‘GFEST – Gaywise FESTival’ – London’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) art festival. In this brief surgery meeting, Mr Vaizey showed a keen interest to know more about enterprising GFEST activities and admired its work.

Niranjan Kamatkar, artistic director of GFEST said, “It is good to know that Department of Culture Media & Sports is keen to support diverse activities like GFEST and it was a delightful meeting.”

Culture minister Ed Vaizey with GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar

He added. “We discussed the growing trend of tourists attendance and the future potential for the LGBT art sector working together to make even bigger impact on the art world.”

GFEST is an annual event in November in London’s LGBT calendar and will be announcing the exciting GFEST 2010 programme next month. The festival was launched at the Houses of Parliament for the past two years and is supported by a number of eminent artists, ministers and MPs. GFEST 2010 will take place in venues across London from 8 to 21 November.

More information on background and selection process of GFEST: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Notes:
Further info contact / images : info@wisethoughts.org / 020 8889 9555 / http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival was formerly known as GFest – gayWise LGBT Arts Festival

GFEST online networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com http://twitter.com/GFEST http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com http://www.yoursemotionally.com http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Censorship of gay art and literature is not the only answer

2010-07-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

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It is a classic argument that censorship of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (glbt) artwork helps to generate much needed publicity. While this may be true in theory, in practice, we often forget or overlook the stigma perpetuated for a majority of other gay art initiatives. A glbt or LGBT art work does not necessarily start from a point, ‘oh, let’s make it bolder to get it banned.’ Pushing the boundaries of public perception may be one of the objectives behind a creation, but it cannot be the sole purpose of its existence.

Artists and filmmakers produce work primarily to show it around. It makes their job more difficult if they have to overcome a number of hurdles to reach a stage of showcasing, only to find their work is banned due to ‘perceived’ objectionable content. By allowing a particular trend of censorship targeted towards gay art and films and the following worldwide publicity is neither about quality of the art work, nor is it a healthy situation.

The above reference is not just limited to MIFF removal of ‘L.A. Zombie ‘ a 2010 queer cinema zombie film, nor to a news about web portal of Amazon quietly de-ranking every LGBT book in its catalogue. While organising this year’s GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, it seems people still have not moved away from the perception that gay art equates to pornographic material and hence we still get an odd request for reassurance about censuring work before it goes on display.

If the art work in question violates the law, self censorship by the creator may be the best possible answer. However we need to follow a broader trend: zero tolerance towards needless and undesired censorship of gay art work.

posted by Subodh Rathod

More info on GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in venues across London.

Support gay art to tackle homophobia in sports and business industries.

2010-07-19T04:04:00.000-07:00

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There are some concerns to note from the reported quote of basketball icon John Amaechi urging gay sport stars not to come out too soon if they are not prepared for what follows. Speaking at M.E.N, now a psychologist and Utah Jazz and Orlando Magic player Amaechi hoped his role as a cultural ambassador will raise awareness for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) issues. Also a deeper concern raised by Lord Browne of Madingley, quoted by UK Press Association last week, saying prominent gay men and lesbians feel continued pressure to hide their sexuality in order to succeed. Lord Browne reportedly added the business world remains “more intolerant of open homosexuality” than professions such as the media and the arts.

However, responses from artists and organisation in LGBT art sector suggest the mainstream art world does not seem to be proactively liberal and supportive as yet, when it comes to presenting same-sex or transgender issues by LGBT artists. There are a few notable exceptions, but in larger number of cases the level of tolerance wears thin when it comes to sustained and much-needed ‘innovative’ promotion of queer arts or artists. The regular excuse of ‘art work not being good enough’ shows a lack of will to support practitioners or to the sector in developing, promoting and nurturing the talent that exists.

If people feel strongly about the discrimination in the business world or want to acknowledge the pressures that exist on LGBT people, they can help engender change via culture and the arts. Business communities can and should be more forthcoming to support the arts in these difficult economic times when public funding for the same activities face enormous cuts. Perhaps, people like Lord Browne are better placed to help promote business sponsorships for young talent to tackle the issues most effectively.

- posted by Niranjan Kamatkar

Niranjan Kamatkar is artistic director at WISE THOUGHTS, arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in November across venues in London.

GFEST, London’s annual LGBT arts festival in November presents Performances, Visual arts and Short Films. More info on GFEST web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

WANTED: Better media coverage of Gay, LGBT or Queer art

2010-07-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

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Despite the present economic downturn and clamp down on funding opportunities, we continue to get a number of invites and news about art, theatre and film initiatives organised and presented by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Trasgender (LGBT) and queer artists. Some of these are mentioned on GFEST social media networks (twitter, Facebook, myspace etc.,)

It is also heartwarming to notice that younger LGBT community members and artists are using online networks to highlight issues from across the world in this festive season of Gay Prides. In doing so, they are tackling a number of current concerns. These may not be necessarily only cultural, but also incorporate a broader spectrum of socio-environmental topics. Perhaps the only area in which the artists need to do more, is getting back into hard-edged political art work that was a hallmark of gay art for past several decades. More pressing current issues such as recent ‘forced marriages’ of some gay men in the UK, mostly of South Asian origins, can be tackled more effectively through cultural media initiatives. Along with providing legal protections, it is primarily about ‘changing hearts and minds'.

Wise Thoughts' Production Yours Emotionally! Still 2

Wise Thoughts' Production Yours Emotionally! Still 1

A notable factor of LGBT / Queer initiatives is that they are mostly self-funded or they depend on minimum to very little public funding. At the same time, majority of them are using ethical marketing tools & community buzz to feedback into the artistic and cultural activity.

Despite of odd news of Vandals damaging Pride art exhibit second time in Atlanta, the spirit to present art or cultural events is not dampened. In fact, the vibrant gay art community seems to find new ways to promote the work most cost effectively through a word of mouth campaign and through sheer passion to make things happen without greater financial resources. It’s not an ideal situation to expect people to work without a proper payment. It is about time mainstream media offers justifiable space to cover LGBT and queer art initiatives which deserve better attention by them. More media coverage along with sponsorship & public support to these events will ensure a greater number of high quality art works in the medium to longer term.

- NIRANJAN KAMATKAR

Niranjan Kamatkar is artistic director at WISE THOUGHTS, arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in November across venues in London.

Note: GFEST 2010 call for submission now CLOSED.

GFEST, London’s annual LGBT arts festival in November presents Performances, Visual arts and Short Films. More info on GFEST web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

PRIDE 2010 season and gay / LGBT equality

2010-07-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

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posted by Subodh Rathod

Amidst the last week’s news of Birmingham’s Gay and Lesbian Pride Ball raising £25,000 for local HIV/AIDS charities or groups and London Pride attracting a million plus turnout and ‘Proud’ support from Mayor Boris Johnson, Deputy Mayor Richard Barnes, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, Margot James MP (all supported GFEST – Gaywise FESTival – London’s LGBT, Queer cross art festival for all), a story on sentencing of killers of young gay artist James Arthur (23) in Sacramento California stood out. Full story here.

Pride Rainbow Balloons

In this festive PRIDE season of 2010, there are several reasons to celebrate gay / LGBT equality. There are also enough memories from ‘not-so-distant past’ reminding us to remain alert. A good success story stands on its own and cannot and should not be defeated by any apparent backlash from homophobic or transphobic people / groups. Finland had a good reputation but a gas and pepper spray attack at the Helsinki Pride festival and perhaps the shooting at Gay Pride in San Francisco reflects a lack of wider social acceptance and equality – where and when it is most required – during gay, LGBT and Queer festivals and celebrations.
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Subodh Rathod is Admin &Policy Director at WISE THOUGHTS, arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in November across venues in London.
Note: GFEST 2010 call for submission now CLOSED.
GFEST, London’s annual LGBT arts festival in November presents Performances, Visual arts and Short Films. More info on GFEST web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar
GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

Chair of the London Assembly: gay art promotes spirit of innovation

2010-06-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

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The present Chair of the London Assembly, who was chair of the London Assembly’s Economic Development, Culture, Sport & Tourism Committee in 2009-2010, which oversees the preparations for Olympic Games, offered her support to London’s gay art fest GFEST – Gaywise FESTival.

Dee Doocey, Chair of the London Assembly

Dee Doocey, Chair of the London Assembly said yesterday in her message of support, “London’s place as one of the world’s great cultural capital’s has been built on its diverse range of artistic endeavour and the determination of its cultural communities to push at boundaries. GFEST is a great example of promoting that innovative spirit and widening access to the creative output of LGBT Londoners, I wish this years festival the success it deserves.”

GFEST has been supported by the Mayor of London and Arts Council England for the past three years and takes place annually in November. The festival has received cross-party support from prominent people including Cultural Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone, David Lammy MP, Margot James MP, Lord Chris Smith and Caroline Lucas MP. Among several other eminent people, Author Sarah Waters and Chair of Equality and Human Right Commission Trevor Philps OBE have also supported GFEST.

Deadline for GFEST 2010 Performances, Visual arts and Short Films submissions is 2nd July 2010. More info on GFEST web: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.

GFEST web networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

LGBT, Queer Art and culture for all

2010-06-22T02:44:00.000-07:00

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posted by Niranjan Kamatkar

Last few weeks amongst the news of Pride celebrations all around the world, it has become evident that mainstreaming of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) cultural activities is gaining wider support across the world. London Pride activities planned for next weekend look exciting, promising enthusiastic public participation like last several years.

Gay Prides, art events and cultural celebrations in not only a number of UK, European and USA cities and towns but in countries like Croatia, Sri Lanka & China drive home a point: LGBT and queer communities around the world are asserting the rights to visibly contribute to society. And LGBT art and culture is a vibrant and growing sector.

Pride image-collage from archive

As organiser of GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, we are trying to get a network get going of like minded UK based arts festivals that can share the common issues and support the contemporary debate. It will offer an opportunity to address the collective needs of LGBT artists and practitioners. We can look at some of the concerns as a united sector and address resources (or in several cases, the lack of them).

As GFEST entries deadline approaches by 2 July 2010, we are on our way to working towards the realisation of ‘LGBT , Queer arts and culture for all’ round the year (and not just during Pride month).

Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2nd July 2010.
The GFEST 2010 panel of selectors will choose the entries carefully in mid July and GFEST 2010 Programme is expected to be announced by end of August.

Niranjan Kamatkar is artistic director of GFEST - Gaywise FESTival.
GFEST is recognised as London's LGBT, queer art festival for all.

Notes:
Further info contact / images : info@wisethoughts.org / 020 8889 9555 / http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.
GFEST was formerly known as GFest – gayWise LGBT Arts Festival

GFEST online networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/GFEST http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Welcome addition to GFEST 2010 selection panel

2010-06-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

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With an addition of Steven Paul Davies to the GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010 selectors, now
GFEST 2010 Selection Panel members include:
Ajamu : photographer and Black LGB & T community archivist and co- founder of rukus! Federation.
Ali Zaidi: artist moving fluidly between different artforms and artistic director of motiroti.
Campbell: accomplished filmmaker and programmer who runs BlackmanVision.
Julie Bindel: well known writer, feminist and co-founder of the group Justice For Women.
Julie Lomax: Director of Visual Arts, Arts Council England, London.
Paul Burston: author, journalist and editor of Time Out Gay & Lesbian section.
Steven Paul Davies: renowned film critic, broadcaster and author of Out at the Movies.
and Niranjan Kamatkar: artistic director of GFEST.

Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2nd July 2010.
The panel of selectors will choose the entries carefully in mid July and GFEST 2010 Programme is expected to be announced by end of August.

Notes:
Further info contact / images : info@wisethoughts.org / 020 8889 9555 / http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.

GFEST was formerly known as GFest – gayWise LGBT Arts Festival

GFEST online networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/GFEST http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Deadline approaches in a fortnight: GFEST 2010 call for submissions

2010-06-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

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posted by Stephen Howard

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010 call for submission will be closed in less than three weeks time. The deadline for online submissions is 5 PM on 2 July 2010. A number of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and Queers artists have submitted for this year’s featival on its website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/

GFEST website

A representative from GFEST 2010 said, “Hundreds of artistic / LGBT community members, bloggers and websites have helped spread a word of the call, literally across the world, and we are confident that a number of interested Visual Artists, Performers and Short Filmmakers will still be able send the entries in time before we close.”

GFEST panel of selectors who will choose the entries carefully in mid July include: Ajamu, Ali Zaidi, Campbell, Julie Bindel, Julie Lomax, Paul Burston Steven Paul Davies and Niranjan Kamatkar.

Stephen Howard is one of the trustees of arts charity Wise Thoughts, organisers of GFEST.

GFEST Call for submissions is announced and artists / filmmakers are requested to submit the entries online: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Submission deadline: 2 July 2010.

GFEST announces 2010 Panel of Selectors

2010-06-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
GFEST – Gaywise FESTival has announced the selection panel who will judge all the entries received for 2010 festival on its website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
GFEST is recognised as London’s premier lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and queer cross – art festival for all. The three main categories open for submissions are: Short Films, Performances, Visual Art.
GFEST 2010 Selection Panel members include:
Ajamu : photographer and Black LGB & T community archivist and co- founder of rukus! Federation.
Ali Zaidi: artist moving fluidly between different artforms and artistic director of motiroti.
Campbell: accomplished filmmaker and programmer who runs BlackmanVision.
Julie Bindel: well known writer, feminist and co-founder of the group Justice For Women.
Julie Lomax: Director of Visual Arts, Arts Council England, London.
Paul Burston: author, journalist and editor of Time Out Gay & Lesbian section.
Steven Paul Davies: renowned film critic, broadcaster and author of Out at the Movies.
And Niranjan Kamatkar: artistic director of GFEST.

Created for GFEST panel of selectors announcement by artist Beldan Sezen

GFEST, an annual event in London’s cultural calendar in November, is supported by the Mayor of London and Arts Council England for the past three years. Last year BBC London and some international media coverage described GFEST as ‘biggest thing going on in London’.

Artistic director of GFEST, Niranjan Kamatkar noted, “I feel confident about the collective expertise of eminent selection panel members. We will ensure that GFEST programme shows widest possible celebration of diversity, reflected in the contemporary art works from LGBT, queer artists.”
Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2nd July 2010.

The panel of selectors will choose the entries carefully in mid July and GFEST 2010 Programme is expected to be announced by end of August.

GFEST 09 presented a body of work from over a hundred LGBT and queer artists, practitioners and filmmakers in over 8 venues.
———————————————————————————————————————–
Notes:
Further info contact / images : info@wisethoughts.org / 020 8889 9555 / http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/
WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.
GFEST was formerly known as GFest – gayWise LGBT Arts Festival
GFEST online networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/GFEST
http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Gay Art Festival in London will announce selection panel soon

2010-05-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival will announce the names of Selection Panel members for this year’s festival soon.
LGBT and Queer Art Festival for London, GFEST continues to get exciting entries following a Call for Submissions on it’s website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2nd July 2010.

SUBMIT NOW!

Majority of the GFEST programme will be selected by the panel by end of July 2010. The entire GFEST 2010 programme will be announced in September 2010.

GFEST, an annual event in London’s cultural calendar in November, is recognised as London’s LGBT cross-art event for all and is supported by the Mayor of London and Arts Council England for the past three years.

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.

Gay festivals are great places to meet people & possibly fall in love!

2010-05-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

posted by TIM HOYLE

Let me be upfront from the start – I love GFEST – Gaywise FESTival ! I have been going for the last 3 years & think that the range of events and performances is fantastic & so diverse. I have been attending all sorts of arts festivals for many years, including LGBT festivals whenever possible.

I love being part of the buzz and energy that surrounds a festival and they provide chances to see performances and films that I never would otherwise. My partner & I travel up & down the country seeing as much as possible – it uses all of our leave from work but we much prefer it to lying on a beach somewhere.

There are so many people that have become friends from seeing them year after year at different cultural events around the country. For me this includes my partner who I met at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 11 years ago.

We had both been going to the LLGFF for many years before we met & must have been in screenings together but that year we kept on seeing each other then began talking & arranged to go for a drink.

Now we take the whole two weeks off work to celebrate our anniversary by seeing as much in the festival as possible.

And we are not alone, we know a number of other couples who have met at festivals so it isn’t just a cultural delight, you might just fall in love as well.

- Tim Hoyle is a performer and theatre director and a trustee of Wise Thoughts, organisers of GFEST

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival takes place annually in London in November.

Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival - London’s LGBT cross art festival for all

GFEST Call for submissions is announced and artists / filmmakers are requested to submit the entries online: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Submission deadline: 2 July 2010.

NEWS, MEDIA PARTNERSHIPS AND UPDATES BY GAY ART FESTIVAL IN LONDON

2010-05-17T03:21:00.000-07:00

17 05 2010

Last week, between the several exciting meetings that promised to open new partnerships, and a number of exciting submissions, GFEST – Gaywise FESTival organisers received some heartwarming feedback. GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (known in short as GFEST) is recognised as London’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) cross art festival for all. London’s premier gay arts festival GFEST leads in stamping out homophobia and promotes diversity in London and particularly advocates equality for LGBT & Queer artists in all walks of life. GFEST takes place annually in various venues across London in November under the artistic direction of Niranjan Kamatkar.

One comment from a mainstream art champion on the work presented in the festival noted that it is reflective of cutting-edge excellence and artistic merits loaded with exciting LGBT, queer arts programming ‘as it should be’. The organisers were told that GFEST programme follows a perfect blend of future trends in the art.

GFEST

The next day BBC FILM NETWORK signed as GFEST 2010 Media partner and covered the GFEST call for submissions in their newsletter. GFEST artistic director Niranjan Kamatkar said, “We are very pleased with this newly formed media partnership. It is a recognition that film and media industry’s most respected and high quality brand would like to support the mainstreaming process for the festival. It opens up greater opportunities for GFEST filmmakers who showcased their excellent work over the past years.”

BBC’s recent proactive engagement and refreshingly welcome coverage on the arts programmes (Modern Masters, Art Walks, Opera Season, etc., ) can also open a lot of exciting possibilities for LGBT and queer art and films.

GFEST Call for submissions is announced and LGBT, queer artists / filmmakers are requested to submit the entries online: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Submission deadline: 2 July 2010.

Some ‘straight’ number crunching behind gay art fest in London.

2010-05-11T04:45:00.000-07:00

11 05 2010 posted by Vanita Bhavnani

London’s premier gay arts festival, ‘GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (known in short as GFEST) promises an even more exciting 2010 line-up to thrill audiences, gay and straight alike. The festival leads in stamping out homophobia and promoting diversity in London and particularly promotes equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) & Queer artists in all walks of life.

Official GFEST logo & website link

Apart from London-based LGBT and mainstream media sources, GFEST 09 news was covered in Norway, Spain, Italy, Japan and several international online event review websites. A true showcase of widest possible diverse talent, GFEST 09 also broke barriers since it was attended by audiences from all age groups (younger and older, including families walking in with toddlers), various social and cultural backgrounds.

The GFEST statistics speaks for itself and shows an overview of audience responses for the GFEST programme, based on over 1500 audience / participants’ feedback forms :

93% of audiences liked the work of GFEST artists.

95% audiences said they liked the idea of dedicated LGBT arts events.

92% GFEST audiences said they would recommend the GFEST events to their friends.

96% people who attended the festival in the past felt funders should continue to sponsor GFEST.

29% GFEST audiences said they are heterosexual or ‘straight’.

In short, GFEST 2010 is promises to be one of the most successful mechanisms in London for bringing LGBT arts to a diverse audience, including up to 35% of the audience being non-LGBT, presenting an ideal opportunity for organisations to become associated with an upcoming cutting-edge festival with mainstream appeal, whilst appealing to and engaging with a ‘trendsetting’ core LGBT demographic.

- Vanita Bhavnani is a senior researcher and chair of Wise Thoughts, organisers of GFEST.

________________________________________________________________________

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival takes place annually in London in November.

Artistic Director: Niranjan Kamatkar

WISE THOUGHTS / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival - London’s LGBT cross art festival for all

______________________________________________________________

GFEST Call for submissions is announced and artists / filmmakers are requested to submit the entries online: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Submission deadline: 2 July 2010.

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Gay Art Festival in London continues to get response from all over the world

2010-05-05T06:59:00.000-07:00

Gay Art Festival in London continues to get exciting entries following a Call for Submissions on it’s website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2nd July 2010.
Artistic director of GFEST, Niranjan Kamatkar announced today, “We are pleased that entries & enquiries are coming in not only from all over the UK, but we are getting international submissions & interest as a response to GFEST 2010 call for submissions.”

GFEST, an annual event in London’s cultural calendar in November, is recognised as London’s LGBT cross-art event for all and is supported by the Mayor of London and Arts Council England for the past three years. Last year, BBC London and other media coverage described GFEST as ‘biggest event happening in London..’.

GFEST 2010 Selection Panel to be announced soon:
A panel of eminent selectors will choose the entries carefully in mid July.
GFEST 09 presented a body of work from over a hundred LGBT and queer artists, practitioners and filmmakers in over 8 venues.
GFEST online network:
http://www.wisethoughts.org
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar
http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/GFEST
http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival
http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/
http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician
http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Why London’s gay art fest ‘GFEST’ is still relevant today

2010-04-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Why London’s gay art fest ‘GFEST’ is still relevant today

At GFEST – Gaywise FESTival, we always look at the numerous terms that define particular genres of arts: ‘gay arts’ or ‘queer art’ and ‘lgbt / glbt arts’. They can be the art that is inspired by, affected by, or influenced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) and queer artist’s or practitioner’s sexuality and broader identities.

We are often asked what is the relevance of GFEST in contemporary times.

First & foremost, it’s a celebration of the arts and the artistic creativity.

Several artists, straight or gay, have been exploring themes around their sexuality for a long time. GFEST is more relevant today because LGBT artists exploring their sexuality related issues, artistic sensibilities and gender issues have been offered an added boost due to the relatively recent developments. e.g. post civil partnerships, goods and services act and the Equality Bill combined with some experiences of gay adoption, gay parenting, confident young queer sexuality in schools (or in playgrounds) and in workplaces have a greater relevance today through their artistic, cultural & social expressions. ‘LGBT arts for All’ is still an ongoing development that’s moving swiftly as social adjustments or assimilation process continues by the mainstream.

Some artists are particularly looking at a newfound, confident voice for young people’s LGBT identity. Some others are dealing with multiple identities (such as black, gay and disable performer or, a non-Muslim, British Asian Gay Artist based in a Muslim country, etc.,) and any marginalisation faced due to that. From ground-breaking visual arts to thought provoking short films and fabulous Performances, I believe each LGBT artist has a unique story to communicate and some elements of their narratives and experience base are still challenging to mainstream ideas and pre-conceived notions.

GFEST in London is defined as an ‘LGBT arts Festival for All’. It means sharing of these artworks is much more relevant in contemporary times when we seem to have accepted the equality for LGBT people in all walks of life. A greater understanding of LGBT arts, cultures and issues can only create a more diverse and inclusive society.

From last year’s GFEST audience figures (based on feedback sample of over 1000 people) show over 30 % audiences identified themselves as straight. Over 95% said they enjoyed what GFEST presented. I hope the figures can speak for themselves. GFEST performances and visual art can offer a broader enjoyable variety night experiences to people, irrespective of their gay or straight sexuality.

Some GFEST programme elements may be challenging for a few audiences, however the choice remains with them as to how they access, approach or enjoy a work of art. All art is open to subjective interpretations and as organisers, I think we are offering a great and diverse variety to the audiences / art lovers who can take what they see as best. We need to offer a broader range for different audiences say, from cutting-edged performance arts to refreshing political voices in the short films.

I think gay, LGBT, glbt and queer artists can be very good role models – ‘responsible & responsive artists’ who feel free to express themselves or their sexuality or sexual identity through their chosen medium – also open for the larger public enjoyment. And artists who can make living out of their art if they need to.

I hope that careers of all LGBT artists goes from strength to strength and achieves the highest artistic success.

Niranjan Kamatkar - Artistic Director

WISE THOUGHTS / GFEST – Gaywise FESTival - London’s LGBT cross art festival for all

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival takes place annually in London in November.

GFEST Call for submissions is announced and artists / filmmakers are requested to submit the entries online: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

Submission deadline: 2 July 2010.

GFEST web networks:

http://www.wisethoughts.org http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/ http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/ http://www.yoursemotionally.com/ http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/ http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

MP candidate visited London’s gay art festival’s office

2010-04-20T04:56:00.000-07:00

UK Parliamentary candidate Karen Jennings visited Wise Thoughts, organisers of London’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) cross art festival, yesterday in Wood Green Central Library.

Karen Jennings with GFEST Artistic Director Niranjan Kamatkar

The Hornsey & Wood Green constituency parliament candidate discussed the need for mainstreaming ‘LGBT arts & culture for all’, wider sector support for gay artists and some of the challenges for local LGBT community members. The festival organisers & Karen agreed that every LGBT vote counts on the election day – which is only 16 days away.

GFEST Logo

An annual event in London’s cultural calendar in November, GFEST 2009 was dubbed as ‘biggest thing going in London..’ by BBC London and has been supported by Arts Council England & Mayor of London for the past three years. Now in its fourth year, GFEST 2010 will be presenting the art works of over 100 artists / filmmakers and continues to draw cross-party support. Some of the parliamentary election candidates who supported GFEST in the past are: Equalities spokesperson for Lib Dem, Lynne Featherstone, David Lammy, Minister for Higher Education in Labour Government, Jeremy Hunt, Conservative Shadow Cultural Secretary, Caroline Lucas, Leader of the Green Party, Margot James, conservative, Jeremy Corbyn, Labour, Simon Hughes, Lib Dem and Michael Foster, Labour Equalities Minister, among others.

LGBT Artists & filmmakers are sending online submissions from across the world for this year’s GFEST on its website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk GFEST 2010 submission deadline is 2 July 2010. The festival is to run from 8 to 21 Nov 2010 in various venues across London.

GFEST web networks:

http://www.wisethoughts.orghttp://www.gaywisefestival.org.ukhttp://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/http://twitter.com/gfest http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/http://www.yoursemotionally.com/http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapoliticianhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughtshttp://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

London’s gay art festival GFEST offers opportunity for sponsors

2010-04-07T02:50:00.000-07:00

GFEST – an unrivalled platform – will perform well for its sponsors – A ‘uksponsorship.com’ news update in 2009.

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival in London has put up the sponsorship package on the website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/sponsors

An overwhelming figure of 96% audiences recommended that funders should continue to sponsor GFEST.

The festival was described as ‘The biggest thing going on in London’ by the BBC London & other international media in Nov 2009. GFEST is London’s LGBT, Queer Arts Festival for All. GFEST 2010 is to run from 8 to 21 Nov 2010 in various venues across London.

GFEST 2009 was supported by Arts Council England & The Mayor of London.

The Festival enjoys cross-party support. GFEST launch receptions were attended by Ministers, MPs and members from all three main parties, amongst others, in the Houses of Parliament for the last two years. Among several news & online channels, the festival was covered by travel and tourism sector including special mentions by British Airways, Eurostar, Best Western Hotels, Red Carnation Hotels, Visit London, Visit Britain.

GFEST2010sponsorship

Apart from London based LGBT and mainstream media sources, GFEST 09 news was covered in Norway, Spain, Italy, Japan and several international platforms. A true showcase of widest possible diverse talent, GFEST 09 also broke barriers since it was attended by gay and straight audiences from all age groups (younger and older, including families walking in with toddlers), various social and cultural backgrounds.

GFEST 2010 call for submission was announced in March 2010 and the artwork entries are pouring in online on GFEST website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

- Submit to GFEST : short films online visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening

- Submit to GFEST : Visual artwork online visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/artsexhibition

- Submit to GFEST : Performance work online visit: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/performance

GFEST Artistic Director Niranjan Kamatkar commented, “It makes a greater sense to support GFEST at this stage. Each year the GFEST programme and its artistic merit is growing stronger and making this annual festival a key event in London’s cultural calendar by 2012.”

GFEST online web network links:

http://www.wisethoughts.org
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar
http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gfest
http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/
http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar

http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

News going around: GFEST - Gaywise FESTival 2010 calls for artists, Filmmakers

2010-04-01T05:15:00.000-07:00

GFEST – Gaywise FESTival has announced its call for submission on http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk and the news is going around. Please help us by spreading a word amongst Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT), queer artists’ networks & individual short filmmaker, artist friends.

Beldan Sezan, a past GFEST artist has specially created an illustration around the call. Hope you like it and would like to visit her website beldansezen.com for more.

We hope to proactively use GFEST social media networks (links below) to engender the critical debate.

GFEST, an annual event in London’s cultural calendar in November, is supported by the Mayor of London and Arts Council England for the past three years. Last year BBC London and some international media coverage described GFEST as ‘biggest event happening’. British Airways, Eurostar, Best Western Hotels, Red Carnation Hotels, Visit London, Visit Britain coverage for GFEST 09 was a great help and encouraged tourists to attend GFEST last year.
Artistic director of GFEST, Niranjan Kamatkar said, “Judging from many enquires after GFEST 09, we are expecting a number of very high quality submissions this year. I am pleased to say that due to ever expanding interest and wider support from the artistic and gay community, we can organise a better GFEST 2010.”
Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2nd July 2010. A panel of eminent selectors will choose the entries carefully in mid July.

GFEST 09 presented a body of work from over a hundred LGBT and queer artists, practitioners and filmmakers in over 8 venues.

Further info contact / images / videos : info@wisethoughts.org / 020 8889 9555 / http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/

http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.
GFEST online Social media networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org

http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar

http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/GFEST

http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/

http://www.yoursemotionally.com/

http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician

http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/

http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Publish Post

GFEST - London's gay art festival announces OPEN call for submissions.

2010-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

An open call for submissions is announced by GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010 on its website: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

GFEST is recognised as London’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and queer cross – art festival for all. The three main categoriescategoriescategoriescategoriescategoriescategoriescategoriescategories open for submissions are: Short Films, Performances, Visual Art.

BBC London : The biggest thing going on in London (in November 2009)

GFEST, an annual event in London’s cultural calendar in November, is supported by the Mayor of London and Arts Council England for the past three years. Last year BBC London and some international media coverage described GFEST as ‘biggest event happening’. British Airways, Eurostar, Best Western Hotels, Red Carnation Hotels, Visit London, Visit Britain coverage for GFEST 09 was a great help and encouraged tourists to attend GFEST last year.

Artistic director of GFEST, Niranjan Kamatkar said, “Judging from many enquires after GFEST 09, we are expecting a number of very high quality submissions this year. I am pleased to say that due to ever expanding interest and wider support from the artistic and gay community, we can organise a better GFEST 2010.”

Deadline for GFEST 2010 submissions is 2ndnd July 2010. A panel of eminent selectors will choose the entries carefully in mid July.
GFEST 09 presented a body of work from over a hundred LGBT and queer artists, practitioners and filmmakers in over 8 venues.

Further info contact / images / videos : info@wisethoughts.org / 020 8889 9555 / http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/

http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

WISE THOUGHTS is an arts charity that organises GFEST – Gaywise FESTival (GFEST in short) in venues across London.

GFEST online networks: http://www.wisethoughts.org

http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk

http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar

http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/GFEST

http://www.myspace.com/gaywisefestival

http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/

http://www.yoursemotionally.com/

http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician

http://www.flickr.com/photos/GFEST/

http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

Learning from Berlin

2010-02-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

Amidst the news reports on my phone of the success stories and bumper deals at European Film market (EMF) at Berlinale 60 (Berlin International Film Festival), I received a facebook message asking for a comment on Ray Gosling story by an Italian newspaper. It was an interesting situation and made me realise the fast moving power of virtual social media networks while I was trying to network with people in Berlin.

One of the most interesting networking event was queer film programmers' meeting that was organised by the festival. Over sixty guest (I guess, since I lost count) got up to introduce themselves one by one. Soon, it became clear that several key LGBT film festival programmers from different corners of the world were present in the room. It was a magical feeling to extend a hand to someone in Kyoto or San Fransisco or Vienna or Mumbai... It showed a clear evidence of the power of the global queer networks. It was also evident from programming of the Berlinale that mainstream or queer cinema from China, India and Far East can soon make big waves in the West. The younger filmmakers & practitioners from those countries looked more confident and seemed to be aware of their potential in the world cinema.

The best learning was observing massive scale of the festival organisation. As every year, the delivery in this 60th year of the film festival seemed impressive & almost punctual. The friendly and helpful service by the festival staff and all the members of hospitality community in Berlin left a remarkable impression.

Back to London now and working on getting the GFest call for submissions sorted soon (March)

Niranjan Kamatkar – Artistic Director, February 2010

Wise Thoughts / GFest

http://www.wisethoughts.org
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar
http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gfest
http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/
http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar

Every Little Helps: Ensure GFest remains London’s LGBT Arts Festival for all

2010-02-09T04:10:00.000-08:00

After last year’s exciting GFest in November 2009, the need to keep getting feedback has been noted on several aspects of the festival, which is recognised as London’s LGBT Arts Festival for all.

As part of continuous efforts to make GFest exiting, accessible and truly a festival for all, we are requesting people to submit their response to a very short survey on : http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/82V3WYT

It would take 2 to 5 mins of time to complete this survey. Your responses can offer us a great help in better shaping the artistic contents & planning for next few years of the festival.

A quite a few thrilling developments are planned to make the cross-arts GFest 2010 more successful. We recognise the need for stronger private & public partnerships, higher profile for the arts and smoother delivery of the festival programme. The call for submissions for GFest 2010 will be announced soon & from general expressions of interest, we anticipate a bigger response this year.

Unfortunately, there no cash or in-kind prizes to fill the feedback form but we hope the ever so supportive gay, Lesbian, bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) and queer arts community will help us to get the word across.

Please Help to ensure that your GFest is better this year.

Thank you as always.

Niranjan Kamatkar – Artistic Director, February 2010

Wise Thoughts / GFest

http://www.wisethoughts.org
http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar
http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gfest
http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/
http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/niranjankamatkar

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-24T07:47:00.000-08:00

Wish YOU ALL a Great Holiday, Season’s Greetings! Merry Xmas & HAPPIEST 2010

– @GFest http://bit.ly/1pDye & Wise Thoughts http://bit.ly/6s7RmR

GFest & Wise Thoughts team

http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?action=edit&post=253

http://www.wisethoughts.org
http://www.gaywisefestival.org
http://www.facebook.com/niranjan.kamatkar
http://www.gaywisefestival.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/gfest
http://gaywisefestival.wordpress.com/
http://www.yoursemotionally.com/
http://www.myspace.com/interviewwithapolitician
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfest/
http://www.youtube.com/user/wisethoughts

art, arts, Festival, Gay, gay art LGBT arts queer film painting photography, gay sex, Gfest, LGBT, London, news, newsdesk, onlinenews, queer, socialmedia
Categories : GFest 09, NK