Call out for queer artists for LGBTQIA+ cabaret Glory

Organisers are making a fresh call for LGBTQIA+ artists to come forward to perform at a new version of the queer cabaret, ‘Glory’ at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree on 9 November and inviting creative practitioners to propose new performances inspired by objects from the RGU Art & Heritage Collections.

The cabaret is part of an innovative approach to amplify the voice of queer artists in cultural programming in the city and November’s cabaret will build on the success of the inaugural Glory event in June.

The artists are asked to respond to items from RGU’s Art and Heritage Collections that include artworks created by RGU alumni as well as objects that reflect the teaching and study of RGU’s history.

Event co-organiser, Bart Grabski from Look Again at Gray’s School of Art said: “We are motivated to continue the momentum after the success of ‘Glory’ in June and invite artists to come forward to perform this November. Although the trigger objects from RGU Art & Heritage Collections remain the same, we are excited to see how the fresh perspectives of artists can give those objects new meanings. We are inviting artists from across the spectrum of art forms – performance, drag, spoken word, visual arts, stand-up, dance and beyond to apply. It’s fascinating how the same objects can inspire diverse and innovative interpretations.”

Glory co-producer Hanna Louise said: "Events like Glory bring a splash of queer joy to the Granite City, showcasing local cabaret stars as well as performers from further afield. Building on the success of Aberdeen Performing Arts’ Eat the Rich cabaret, this partnership with Look Again is a great opportunity to continue platforming LGBTQIA+ creatives."

Gallery images from Glory cabaret held in June, credit Victoria Jane Stills

Director of Look Again at Gray’s School of Art, Sally Reaper, said: “We are delighted to once again be working closely with Aberdeen Performing Arts to bring you Glory, a mesmerising queer cabaret night that provides the best platform to celebrate our North East’s diverse creative communities. Our first event was outstanding, with the stage coming alive with alternatives creative experiences, amplifying the voices of queer creatives in the North East and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the next Glory cabaret in November.”

“RGU contributes significantly to the social and cultural development of the region and as a leading member of Culture Aberdeen, is committed to enhancing the visibility of under-represented communities. We continue to work closely with our creative partners to bring fresh projects such as ‘Glory’ to re-energise our city centre and look forward to seeing how the artists interpret RGU’s Art and Heritage Collections that celebrate our distinct creative culture and talent from the North-East of Scotland.”

Susan Whyte, Head of Creative Engagement at Aberdeen Performing Arts said: "Glory will be a fun, engaging evening which will quite possibly take the audience through a whole range of emotions but will definitely leave everyone feeling uplifted.  It's an exuberant celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture and we are delighted to be partnering with Look Again to strengthen the impact of this important piece of work."

The project is funded by Aberdeen Performing Arts and RGU Art & Heritage Collections supported by Look Again at Gray’s School of Art.

LGBTQIA+ creative practitioners are invited to submit applications by the end of the day on the 9th of September via email to hanna.louise@aberdeenperformingarts.com.

Learn more details about the application process: