Organizer Information
Queer East is a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities. Established in 2020, the festival was founded to address the systemic lack of Asian representation in the creative sector. It seeks to challenge conventional norms and stereotypes while fostering an open space for everyone to explore the contemporary queer landscape. The festival takes place across various high-profile London venues—such as the Barbican, BFI Southbank, and ICA—and extends its reach through the nationwide tour, Queer East: On The Road.
Title & Description
Guest Curatorial Programmes: Queer East Festival 2026
This open call invites curators, programmers, and cultural creatives to propose original, bold, and playful screening events. The goal is to decentralize the festival’s programming model by spotlighting diverse and dynamic voices that engage with queer experiences in East and Southeast Asia. Each proposal must feature a film screening paired with a live element (e.g., performance, panel discussion, Q&A, workshop, or poetry reading). The project aims to broaden perspectives on "Asian-ness" and queerness, pushing the boundaries of traditional film exhibition.
Categories
Curatorial Practice, Film, Video, Performance, Visual Art, Moving Image, Literature/Poetry, Education/Workshops.
Eligibility
This call is open to individuals, collectives, and organizations worldwide.
- Experience: Applicants from all career stages and disciplinary backgrounds are welcome; prior film programming experience is not a requirement.
- International Applicants: While the call is international, the festival cannot cover international travel or accommodation. Participation for those based outside the UK will be managed remotely.
- Subject Matter: Proposals must focus on themes related to queer East and Southeast Asian communities.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Curation Fee: A one-off fee of £400 for the selected curator(s).
- Production Budget: A budget of up to £500 to cover event costs such as film rights, speaker/performer fees, and materials.
- Exhibition: Selected programs will be showcased at Queer East Festival 2026 in London.
- Touring Opportunity: Potential for the curated program to be included in the Queer East: On The Road nationwide UK tour.
- Mentorship: Selected curators will receive support from the Artistic Director and festival team to finalize their vision.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Submissions must include a proposal in either a written document (max 3 pages) or a video format (max 10 minutes) addressing:
- Background: Introduction to the curator/collective and any relevant experience.
- Motivation: Why you wish to work with Queer East.
- Vision: Description of the themes, film titles (shorts or features), and the accompanying live element.
- Budget: An approximate breakdown of how the £500 production budget would be utilized.
How to Apply?
Proposals should be emailed to the Artistic Director, Yi Wang, at proposal@queereast.org.uk with the subject line: “Open Call: Guest Curatorial Programme – [Your Name]”.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Notification Date: 8 February 2026
- Festival Dates: April – May 2026 (London).
- Tour Dates: Autumn 2026 (National UK Tour).
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
There are no restrictions on film genre; fiction, documentary, archive films, and artist moving image works are all eligible. However, the festival particularly encourages curated programs of short-length works. Each event should have a total duration of no more than 120 minutes.