ONSTAGE / OFFSTAGE

In September 2023, Toronto-based artist/curator Jordan King will present a multi-media exhibition at The ArQuives gallery, highlighting materials held in our collection.

The exhibition will explore the ways stage performance in nightclubs, cabarets, and drag venues offered opportunity for self-actualization for gender fluid, trans, and gender non-binary individuals in the second half of the 20th Century.  Documentary media held in the collection of The ArQuives offers a unique lens into the world of queer stage performers – whether portrayed through the eyes of a filmmaker/documentarian or by the performers themselves.

Stay tuned for updates throughout the summer in advance of this exciting exhibition!

Tickets are available for the exhibit opening and reception on September 21, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

The exhibition will be open to the public from September 21 – October 14.

Friday Sept 22, 1PM – 5PM
Saturday Sept 23, 1PM – 5PM

Friday Sept 29, 1PM – 5PM
Saturday Sept 30, 1PM – 5PM  with a 3PM Curator Talk (in person)

Jordan King (she/her) @jordankingarchive is a Canadian multi-disciplinary artist, curator, and writer actively engaged in archival research and intergenerational dialogue.  Her formative years were spent immersed in nightlife culture which continues to influence her work.

This project was developed with the support of the Archive/Counter-Archive research project, The ArQuives, and the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).