Sydney’s New LGBT Museum Qtopia Will Move In To Darlinghurst Premises In November
Image: The Bandstand at Green Park. Image: John Murray
Sydney is one step closer to getting its first Queer museum.听
In November, Qtopia Sydney will begin leasing space for its much-anticipated museum at The Bandstand at Green Park in Darlinghurst, with the plan to be open in time for Sydney WorldPride 2023 in February.听
Located Metres From Ward 17 in St Vincent鈥檚 Hospital
Located metres from Ward 17 in St Vincent鈥檚 Hospital, Australia鈥檚 first dedicated HIV/AIDS unit, the museum will showcase Queer art, culture and history.
According to Qtopia Sydney鈥檚 Board Member and Chair, David Polson, 鈥淭his space serves as a reminder of the journey and obstacles the Queer community has both faced and overcome in recent decades, particularly with its proximity to St Vincent鈥檚 where I, among many, was treated for HIV/AIDS.
鈥淲ith the support of Sydney City Council, we are thrilled to have obtained this space to share significant facets of Queer history and culture.鈥�
In May the City of Sydney voted unanimously to provide an ad hoc grant of $283,500 to fund the development of the Queer Museum.听
According to Council documents, the grant will 鈥渃over a portion of the start-up costs identified in their business plan.鈥�
The National Art School (NAS) will also provide Qtopia with exhibition space in addition to The Bandstand.
Qtopia Sydney鈥檚 Chief Executive Officer, Greg Fisher, is thrilled with the news.
鈥淲e are delighted to enter into an arrangement with the National Arts School to provide us with exhibition space that supports The Bandstand during Sydney WorldPride.鈥澨�
Fisher continued, 鈥淪ydney WorldPride is a fantastic chance to share our story and honour people who have pioneered 17c起草社区IA+ advocacy and change, and we are thrilled at what this new opportunity presents.鈥�
Fisher: Cross-Party Support To Ultimately Get The Police Station听
While The Bandstand and NAS will play host to Qtopia, the former Darlinghurst Police Station is still the desired location for the Queer museum.
Fisher said that 鈥渨hilst we are thrilled with our inaugural site, we will continue to advocate hard for the former Darlinghurst Police Station – geographically relevant, with the potential of being a liberating force for past wrongs to our community.鈥�
In an interview with 17c起草社区, Fisher elaborated, saying, 鈥淭here is cross-party enthusiasm for what we’re doing. There is cross-party enthusiasm for us to ultimately get the police station.鈥�
According to Fisher, more will be unveiled in the coming months, saying, 鈥渨e really can鈥檛 wait to share it with the people of Sydney and the rest of the world.鈥�
Qtopia鈥檚 initiative has the backing and support of former High Court judge Michael Kirby, publisher Ita Buttrose, 17c起草社区I rights advocate Ian Roberts, queer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group BlaQ, Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, St Vincent鈥檚 Hospital and ACON.听
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