Homotopia guaranteed funding for three years

August 03, 2011

Homotopia Float

 Liverpool’s Homotopia won’t have to worry about funding over the next three years after receiving a grant from Arts Council England.

The art festival, which began in 2004 and has grown exponentially since, will receive £70,000 a year for the next three years.

Homotopia initially had its grant application rejected but the organization complained and their application was reassessed.

“Over the last eight years we have grown from an annual local arts festival into an organisation delivering a national and international programme of arts, social justice and education initiatives 365 days of the year,” said Gary Everett, Homotopia’s director.

“I believe this funding acknowledges the exceptional quality of the art we deliver and the valuable work we do to tackle hate crime, bullying and prejudice through our award winning Project Triangle. It reflects our commitment to increasing social cohesion through our engagement with diverse communities, young people and the elderly who would often otherwise feel excluded from arts venues or gay culture.”

He added: “With this support and the continuing support of Liverpool City Council we can engage with more artists, writers, producers, dancers and performers to reach new communities.”

A spokesperson for Arts Council England said: “Through our national portfolio Homotopia will make a valuable contribution to the vibrant festival offer in England, especially in Liverpool where they form part of a strong festival calendar which celebrates the diversity of the city’s communities.”
 

Homotopia was for several years Liverpool’s only LGBT celebration. Sarah Waters, Nigel Charnock, Sadie Lee, David Hoyle, Gary Clarke and Armistead Maupin are all artists that have participated in the event.