The Inaugural Queer Arts Festival at WildHeart

Following the much loved Dutchess Pride and Poughkeepsie Pride events that happen in June, the Hudson Valley is about to welcome a brand new festival that prioritizes the arts and the LGBTQ+ community in the same breath.

Community and cultural center, WildHeart: Center for Performance and Embodiment Practice, will be hosting the first ever Queer Arts Festival, a five-day journey of joy and whimsy featuring dance, music, theatrical performances, and more.
Brussels and New York queer artists join forces to bring this festival to life. This first edition plants a seed – the first step toward a strong artistic alliance and a lasting cultural exchange between the queer communities of both cities.

According to the Queer Arts Festival website: “Our mission is to expand our community in the Hudson Valley and NYC by creating delightful, informed, active experiences for audiences of all ages. We will gather on the beautiful campus of WildHeart Center with like-hearted people to witness the transformative power of the arts.

We are queer people of every age, gender, body type and background, from all races, nationalities and beliefs — or none at all. We connect with life and with each other through: the gifts of nature and the strength of the heart, by listening to and sharing our stories, through body and mind, humour, costume, music, cooking, drumming, trance, massage, rituals, games, and the power of eros.”

The Festival itself will include a variety of workshops and classes, such as sound baths, yoga, panels, campfires, dance parties, and lake swims. The festival will end in a campus scavenger hunt across WildHeart’s 46-acres of field and forest.
You can find more about the Queer Arts Festival, happening August 12th – 16th, on their official website. You can choose to attend the full festival or selected days. Registration is open now.