Travelling queer venue on its way

A HUB of queer art is coming to town as part of the Bendigo Pride Festival.

The Q+ Hub, made from a reclaimed shipping container, will host a number of events including performances, parties and workshops.

Artist and former Bendigo local Matto Lucas will display his work, with a public art installation and collection of queer stories.

Mr Lucas said he was approached by creative director of Q+ Benjamin Guiard and immediately accepted the offer.

“I got this email during the pandemic from Benjamin saying that he came across me and my work and was really interested if I’d be a part of this project,” he said.

“He sent this video through and it was really amazing and very inspiring, so I immediately said yes.”

Q+ aims to connect queer communities across Australia, especially in rural and regional communities.

This year’s hub will feature cinema and drag performances, with a live mural by artist David Pereira.

Performances by renowned drag queens Polly Filla and Sexy Galexy will take place at the venue as well.

“The work I’m doing is a story collection work in two forms, so a written component and also a brief chat a recorded discussion and sound component with me,” Mr Lucas said.

“People are invited to come down and write a short letter to their past selves, or anonymously to a queer person they might know.

“They’re encouraged to write something positive or encouraging to benefit a past version of themselves, what would you tell yourself knowing what you know now?”

The sound installation will also include unique, queer stories broadcast inside the hub.

“Not the cliché coming-out stories or tragedy porn but unique, niche stories,” Mr Lucas said. “I’ll be recording interviews with people and adding them to that sound installation as well.”

Raised in Bendigo, Mr Lucas said being a part the Pride Festival will be a huge moment for him.

“I’m 33 which isn’t that old but growing up there was pretty difficult,” he said.

“I didn’t even know what the term gay was, no one spoke about queerness, there was no language to talk about homosexuality unless it was something abusive.

“I remember being in high school and thinking maybe I’m an alien who was sent to earth, and I’m meant to like girls.

“It makes me envious to be a youth in Bendigo! I’m so proud and happy for them and so envious that they get something like this now.”

The Q+ Hub will be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, 27 March and Sunday, 28 March and located in Rosalind Park.