The city of Den Bosch is set to host the fourth edition of the Queer Arts Festival, a three-day event running from Thursday, June 18 to Saturday, June 20. Held at the Verkadefabriek, the festival aims to provide a platform for queer artists and a central meeting point for the community.
Organized by and for the LGBTQ+ community, the festival is open to all and will feature a diverse program of film, live performances, music, and exhibitions. The programming is a collaborative effort between the Verkadefabriek, cabaret artist and programmer Kirsten van Teijn, and film curator Luuk van de Ven.
Program Highlights
The festival is structured with a distinct focus for each of its three nights:
- Thursday, June 18: The event kicks off with 'Queer we go,' a showcase of queer artists and creators from the Brabant region. The evening will open with the 'State of the Queers' address, delivered this year by Marleen Hendrickx, the only intersex theatremaker in the Netherlands.
- Friday, June 19: The second night features 'Burlesqu’eer,' an evening of burlesque and performance art curated by Den Bosch artist Zizi Zinnona. The event is described as an ode to the classic strip club, re-contextualized with a focus on autonomy, inclusivity, and consent.
- Saturday, June 20: The festival concludes with 'Club Queersten,' a popular variety night hosted by Kirsten van Teijn. Following the performances, the evening will transition into an afterparty hosted by the local DJ collective, Ambush.
New Accessibility and Community Initiatives
For its fourth edition, the festival has introduced several new features aimed at improving accessibility and fostering a sense of community.
A 'Pay What You Can' ticketing model has been implemented for all performances and passes. This system offers three price tiers, allowing attendees to select a price that fits their budget. The standard price covers costs, while a higher price helps subsidize tickets for those who need the lower-priced option.
Additionally, a communal dining option called the 'Aanschuiftafel' (Community Table) will be available. For a fixed price, attendees can enjoy a meal at a long table, providing an opportunity to meet other festival-goers.
For the first time, both single-day and full-festival passes are available, offering more flexibility for visitors.
Tickets and Further Information
The full program, schedule updates, and tickets are available through the official Verkadefabriek website. Further details about the free programming components of the festival will be announced in the coming months.
