Australia’s first-ever permanent queer museum is a step closer after the keys to the former Darlinghurst police station were officially handed over to Qtopia Sydney, the non-profit organisation behind the initiative.
The former police station holds an important place in the history of Sydney’s queer community as it was where many LGBTI+ people, including the 78ers, were mistreated and locked up. In contrast, it will now be a venue committed to preserving and celebrating the diverse stories of the LGBTI+ community.
The keys were handed over to Qtopia Sydney this week.
At present, Qtopia is located at The Bandstand in Green Park, where it’s open 12pm-4pm Wednesday through Saturday and hosts shows at night. Upcoming shows include an album launch and a poetry night.
Qtopia Sydney CEO Greg Fisher said giving Sydney a permanent home for a queer museum was a clear statement by the government that LGBTI+ people matter and that their contribution to society matters.
“The queer community will take confidence that the hard-fought wins from illegality to legality, from inequality to equality, from humiliation to respect, have been heard by political leaders across the spectrum,” Fisher said.
“Our stories will soon be invested in this property – told and re-told – to ensure that education and awareness are the foundation of a new future of tolerance, acceptance, respect and love.”
The road to making the museum a reality has been three years in the making. Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore initially provided Qtopia $300,000 in funds.
NSW Premier Chris Minns then promised $3.85 million in funding earlier this year if Labor was to win the election.
In February, the Lachlan and Sarah Murdoch Foundation also announced it would donate $1 million to fund Qtopia.
“By providing a dedicated space for education, reflection and artistic expression, these important narratives will be honoured, shared and become part of a lasting tribute that engages, educates and inspires many future generations to come,” Minns said.
Led by Dr Liz Bradshaw, Qtopia Sydney is now seeking curators to help it create its first exhibition for its opening in February next year, just in time for Mardi Gras 2024.
Expressions of interest from LGBTQIA+ artists across the country are welcomed via qtopiasydney.com.au.
First Nations, non-Anglo, trans and non-binary individuals are strongly encouraged to apply by outlining research interests, experience and their curatorial approach to LGBTQIA+ stories.
This article was written by Eliot Hastie (@eliothastie).
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: [email protected]
