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GFest will showcase the work of over 100 established and emerging artists
GFest
London's gay art festival announces 2009 programme
GFest, London's premier LGBT cross-arts festival, has announced its 2009 programme. It will be a platform for the work of over 100 established and emerging artists, and is considered to be one of the four key annual events in the capital's LGBT calendar.
This year's event, from November 9 - 22, features artists selected by seven eminent panel members in three categories: visual arts, short films and performances. Held at various venues across the capital, the festival also includes debates, workshops and parties.
Among the visual artists showcased are Matthew Stradling, Ozzy Yorulmaz, Sarah Ahmad and Corrine Bot. Performances include cabaret doyenne Holestar, in her show Me My Mi, stand-up Rosie Wilby and singer Katja von Kassel. Rock 'n' Roll Suicide, by Nathan Evans, From the Diaries of Two Breasts, by Beldan Sezen, and Boy, by Joe Morris, are included in the short films category.
Niranjan Kamatkar, artistic director of Wise Thoughts, the arts charity organising GFest, said: "We have taken some risks in selecting work that will challenge audiences. We are really proud and thrilled to announce its ever-expanding greater artistic concerns.
"Some GFest short films this year reflect a newfound, confident queer sexuality of today's young people. The festival presents a majority of British or London-based LGBT and queer artists, but we are also pleased to showcase exciting talent from across the world - from the USA and Europe to Pakistan."
The festival will be launched with an event at the House of Commons hosted by David Lammy, the minister for Higher Education.
Full details are available at www.gaywisefestival.org.uk
