MELT Festival Of Queer Arts And Culture and the MELT Portrait Prize will return in 2021.
Shining the spotlight on LGBTQIA+ culture, the 12-day festival will celebrate visibility and inclusivity among the community at Brisbane Powerhouse.
"MELT has become a much-loved focal point for the community, sharing compelling and engaging stories with Brisbane locals and out-of-towners alike," Guest Director of MELT James Lees says.
"MELT will be the first festival to return in the 2021 programme at Brisbane Powerhouse, and what better way to do it than with a festival that pushes boundaries, explores unique art forms, and shares stories that connect our communities through so many unique perspectives?"
"Queensland’s arts scene is abundant, and I have been lucky enough to meet so many incredible queer artists, eager to educate, challenge and entertain audiences through theatre, cabaret, music, visual arts, storytelling, forums and conversations."
MELT was cancelled in 2020 due to COVID. Artists from that programme will return in 2021 and the Powerhouse hopes to include as many as possible.
The annual MELT Portrait Prize will return as well, giving visual artists the creative license to celebrate LGBTQIA+ heroes. Visitors to the exhibition can vote for their favorite work, with a series of accolades on offer.
"MELT is a mirror of modern Queensland; vibrant and accepting. We’re thrilled to have James Lees on board for MELT 2021, his work always speaks so beautifully around diversity, equality and celebration of difference," Brisbane Powerhouse Artistic Director Kris Stewart says.
