An exhibition opened last week in Kyneton that brings together the voices of both young lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and those older members of the LGBTIQA+ community in a way not seen before in the Macedon Ranges.
Intergenerational art project Rainbow Bridges, which was funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, is a poignant collection of photographs and video clips created by local community members in collaboration with Woodend-based Tracey Strong of Strong Productions and Kyneton photographer Lakshal (Lucky) Perera.
The artists featured in the exhibition, most of whom were new to filmmaking and photography, had the opportunity to learn from Tracey and Lucky and tap into in their wealth of artistic knowledge and skills to gain a better understanding of the audiovisual creative process.
The exhibition was coordinated by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s WayOut program and the Country LGBTI Inclusion Program and set out to build new relationships within the LGBTIQA+ community through mentoring, positive role modelling and the sharing of LGBTI history.
“The Rainbow Bridges project is an intergenerational journey of curiosity, self-reflection and discovery centred around the LGBTIQA+ lived experience in regional Victoria,” project coordinator Belinda Brain said.
“There are few organised situations in which older and younger LGBTIQA+ people have the opportunity to come together and a build a sense of shared belonging.”
The collection of images aims to bring empowerment, strength and a sense of pride and show the personal growth that comes with the building of confidence and self-worth.
“The personal stories represented in this exhibition are emotive, and painful, but also convey history and experiences of celebration and positivity,” Belinda said.
“It is hoped that this project will increase LGBTIQA+ visibility and have the capacity to influence and unite people through inclusion and acceptance.”
The exhibition is on at the Old Auction House, 52 to 56 Mollison Street Kyneton until May 24.
