We are excited to announce the second annual Here & Queer LGBTQIA+ Youth Art Show, and we invite artists, collectives, and organizations to submit proposals for participation. This year’s theme, Breaking the Stigma Through Art, aligns with local student curator Eva Hellmold’s ongoing campaign, Break the Stigma (Rooted in Pride, We Bloom), which focuses on mental health within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Through Break the STIGMA, we seek to do more than simply eliminate the shame associated with both mental health and queer identity. We strive to break down stigma into something positive and productive. The stigma in Break the STIGMA stands for: Support, Talk, Include, Grow, Mobilize, and Advocate.

We invite artists to explore these themes in their work. Consider the following guiding questions as you create:

• Support – How does your art offer comfort, solidarity, or affirmation to queer individuals? In what ways can it serve as a source of strength?
  
  

• Talk – How does your work spark conversations about queer identity, mental health, or lived experiences? What stories need to be told?
  
  

• Include – How does your art reflect the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community? Who is represented, and whose voices are being uplifted?
  
  

• Grow – In what ways does your art challenge perspectives or inspire personal and collective growth? How does it foster learning and self-discovery?
  
  

• Mobilize – How can your art be a call to action? What emotions, ideas, or messages do you hope will drive change?
  
  

• Advocate – How does your work push against stigma, injustice, or systemic barriers? What truths does it bring to light?
  
  

Through this framework, we encourage artists to create work that not only expresses identity but also fuels resistance, resilience, and empowerment.

We are seeking art (can be pre existing or newly created) for:

• Visual Art: Paintings, digital art, photography, sculptures, mixed media, and more.

• Performing Arts: Spoken word, music, dance, theater, and other live performances.

• Written Art: Poems, short stories, spoken word, or personal essays.

• Interactive Installations: Engaging exhibits that invite audience participation.

Tabling Opportunity: Providing resources (literature on mental health/LGBTQIA+ identity)

We are incredibly grateful and want to extend a HUGE thank you to Youth in Arts for their unwavering support and dedication in organizing and presenting this spotlight show. 

Their commitment to amplifying the voices and talents of young individuals in Marin County is truly unparrelled. Thank you for providing a platform for expression and celebration, and for fostering a community that celebrates queerness!