BBC News, North East and Cumbria
Three artists have been selected to have their work displayed during a city’s Pride festival.
Sculptor Lady Kitt and fashion designers Christopher Niari and Sam Barley will have their work showcased during Newcastle Pride 2025 and the city’s first Pride Fringe Festival.
Each commission received a £2,500 development grant and was selected following a call out to local artists to create work on the theme of Unapologetically Visible.
Lady Kitt said the theme meant having “the support, resources, care and community to remain visible even in the current climate”.
They said: “With the funding, I plan to run workshops for local people on how to stay unapologetically visible in troubled times.
“Through this, attendees can share ideas which will be woven together to create an installation, which I hope offers a space for rest, connection and contemplation at this year’s Newcastle Pride celebration.”
Lady Kitt said the grant would allow them to continue their research into how art can reduce stress for marginalised communities.
Niari and Barley are known for creating bold, custom pieces for drag artists. They plan to use the money to create new designs which will be unveiled during Pride Fringe Festival
“We really hope to put a spotlight directly on the talent within the fashion and design community within north-east England and really champion the queer excellence that runs deeply through it,” Niari said.
The commissions were organised by Northern Pride in partnership with Creative Central NCL and Curious Arts.
In addition to the two fully funded projects, three artists have received Research and Development Get Ready grants to develop their own work.
These were given to poet Amy Langdown, singer-songwriter Malik Abdul and filmmaker EJ Raymond.
Newcastle Pride is taking place on 19 and 20 July.
