A new consulting and creative agency is emerging in Southern Africa, run by passionate young queer creatives. We champion young, emerging LGBTQ+ voices by building a sustainable social enterprise that works with non-profits, the UN, and corporations.

In this initiative, we prioritize inclusivity and representation, ensuring that our projects reflect the rich diversity of queer identities across the region. By collaborating with local artists and organizations, we aim to create a supportive network that nurtures creativity and fosters resilience. Together, we will challenge stereotypes and celebrate the unique perspectives that queer creatives bring to the cultural landscape of Southern Africa.

Queer creatives and diversity

Queer creatives are committed to showcasing the diverse narratives that often go unheard, ensuring that every story is told with authenticity and pride. Our initiatives will not only highlight the artistic talents of queer individuals but also address the socio-political issues they face, fostering a deeper understanding within the community. Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects, we will create a platform where creativity meets activism, driving meaningful change.

In this dynamic environment, we aim to foster collaboration among artists, designers, and storytellers who share a commitment to social change. By providing mentorship and resources, we will empower these creatives to amplify their voices and reach wider audiences. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where queer talent can flourish and inspire future generations.

Why We Need Your Support for Queer Creatives

We are eager to cultivate partnerships that will enhance our outreach and impact. Your contributions will enable us to launch initiatives that not only support our creatives but also engage the broader community in meaningful dialogue about queer representation in the arts. By fostering these connections, we can amplify the voices of marginalized artists and create a more inclusive cultural narrative that resonates throughout Southern Africa.

• Legal Registration and Governance: We aim to establish our firm as a legally recognized entity in one SADC country, covering the costs of registration and setting up robust governance structures. This includes appointing a management and advisory board, employing an auditor, and ensuring accountability through quarterly reporting.
• Creative Infrastructure: A state-of-the-art queer creatives and communication workstation is essential. We envision a space equipped for video and podcast production, enabling us to create compelling content for platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. This facility will not only serve as a hub for our projects but also as a collaborative environment where creatives can share ideas, learn from one another, and push the boundaries of their artistic expression. Additionally, we will develop a portfolio website to showcase our talent and attract clients.
• Community Engagement: We believe in giving back. A small empowerment fund will allow us to conduct workshops in schools and colleges, fostering creativity among the youth and building relationships with educational institutions. By partnering with local artists and educators, we aim to create a curriculum that not only nurtures artistic talent but also promotes inclusivity and self-expression. This initiative will empower young individuals to explore their identities and harness their creativity, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and diverse community.
• Visibility and Promotion: To make our mark, we need a targeted travel and presentation fund to showcase our work across Southern Africa. Engaging with LGBTIQ-led organizations and mainstream supporters will elevate our visibility and credibility. By participating in regional festivals and conferences, we can connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, amplifying our message and expanding our network. This outreach will not only enhance our brand recognition but also foster collaborations that enrich our creative endeavors.

What Sets Us Apart

Our proposal offers unique perspectives for queer creatives through:

• Collaborative Projects: We engage in partnerships that blend various art forms, fostering innovation and creativity.
• Community Engagement: Our initiatives prioritize direct involvement with local communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and represented.
• Sustainable Practices: We are committed to environmentally conscious methods that not only enhance our projects but also promote a culture of responsibility among young creatives.
• LGBTQ+ Insights: We bring authentic voices and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring that our projects reflect the richness of our community. By prioritizing these insights, we not only celebrate individuality but also challenge stereotypes, paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance. Our commitment to inclusivity drives us to create art that speaks to the heart of societal issues, fostering dialogue and connection among all people.
• Cultural Diversity: Our creative approaches are enriched by varied cultural backgrounds and narratives. This diversity not only enhances our artistic expression but also allows us to draw from a wealth of experiences that inform our projects. By weaving these rich tapestries of culture into our work, we create a more inclusive environment that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual.
• Innovative Strategies: We focus on youth-driven initiatives that are fresh, dynamic, and impactful. By harnessing the creativity and energy of young minds, we aim to develop programs that not only engage participants but also empower them to take ownership of their artistic journeys. Our approach encourages collaboration and experimentation, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the creative process.

Investment Breakdown

We propose an initial investment allocation as follows:

• 30% for Community Engagement with queer creatives: This portion will be dedicated to outreach programs that connect with local artists and communities, ensuring their voices are integral to our projects from the start. We can uncover much undiscovered queer talent, hidden because of prejudice, fear and censorship By doing so, we can create a platform where these artists can express themselves freely and authentically. This initiative not only enriches our artistic community but also challenges societal norms, paving the way for greater acceptance and understanding. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that every artist, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to shine and share their unique stories.

  Youth focus: Additionally, we will prioritize partnerships with schools, Universities, colleges and community centers to broaden our reach and impact. By fostering these connections, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and ownership among participants, encouraging them to actively contribute to the creative landscape.

• 10% for Training and Development: We will invest in workshops and mentorship opportunities that equip participants with essential skills, fostering a new generation of creative leaders. These programs will focus on various disciplines, including visual arts, performance, and digital media, ensuring a comprehensive approach to artistic education. By nurturing talent through hands-on experiences and expert guidance, we aim to empower individuals to navigate the complexities of the creative industry with confidence and resilience.
• 60% for Startup Costs: This will cover legal, operational, and creative infrastructure for the first year, with a gradual reduction in subsequent years. Our focus will be on establishing a solid foundation that allows us to scale our initiatives effectively while remaining adaptable to the needs of our community. By ensuring that our operational framework is robust, we can better support the artists and organizations we partner with, ultimately leading to a more sustainable impact in the creative sector.
• Timeline: The funds will be utilized over two years, with three months dedicated to startup, six months for activities, and three months for evaluation and planning in the first year. During the startup phase, we will finalize partnerships and secure venues, while the activity phase will be filled with workshops, showcases, and mentorship sessions. The evaluation period will allow us to assess our impact and refine our approach for future initiatives, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with community needs. We can then provide a firm plan for our second year activities.

Join Us in This Journey

Investing in our agency is not just about financial support; it’s about being part of a movement that champions creativity, diversity, and inclusion. Together, we can create a vibrant ecosystem for queer creatives in Southern Africa.

By joining forces, we can cultivate an environment that nurtures artistic expression and encourages collaboration among diverse voices. Our collective efforts will not only uplift individual artists but also strengthen the cultural fabric of our communities. Together, we can pave the way for a future where creativity knows no bounds and every story is valued.

Your contribution will empower emerging talents and foster a community where innovative ideas can flourish. By supporting our mission, you are helping to amplify voices that have long been marginalized. Let’s work together to inspire change and celebrate the richness of our diverse narratives.

This is a proposal being drawn up by a young, queer artist and designer in Cape Town, she is seeking collaborators from the LGBQIT communities, possible funders and clientelle for the queer creatives proposal. There is a call for applications from Marang for LGBTIQ organisations but this is a proposed start up and may not qualify. 

See our article here for more insight.

See our free training course on fighting the anti-gender movement here.

Author: Trevor Davies