A Sense of Pride at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

In 2018, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale established the “A Sense of Pride” initiative to respond to issues affecting the LGBQT+ community and provide free workshops and programming that foster inclusion, acceptance, and understanding.

“Art is a catalyst of conversation, and enables us to have discussions that people may find challenging otherwise,” said Bonnie Clearwater, Director and Chief Curator. “Exposure to art develops empathy, which allows us to have a different understanding of the experiences of others.”

Last year, the museum commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, a significant event in the struggle for LGBQTA+ rights, with a symposium that explored the issues of identity, representation, and race, as well as how artists use their talents to take on the role of activist. Topics included how LGBQTA artists became activists in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis (view the discussion) and the experiences of queer Black and Latinx artists in America (view the discussion).

“Events such as symposia address topics that resonate with a wide audience. These events bring together people from different backgrounds to share experiences, common struggles, and collectively support each other,” said Clearwater. “They are also influential as they reinforced the idea of representation of members of the LGBTQA community, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations.”

The art workshops that the museum presents as part of this initiative, invite participants to explore and express themselves. Art provides individuals  the unique opportunity to create something new, rather than conform to the norm.

The Museum is currently planning upcoming events for the fall that include art talks with local artists (some of whom are featured in the Museum’s fall exhibition of South Florida artists) and active members of the LGBTQA community to explore new and upcoming challenges, and how art has been used to cope with issues specific to the community.

“A Sense of Pride is an essential component of the Museum’s long-term commitment of diversity and inclusion in every aspect of its programming and outreach,” said Clearwater. “The Museum is located in Broward County, which is home to the largest number of same-sex couples/households in Florida. We hope our museum patrons and all members of our community feel welcome, supported, and represented.”

A Sense of Pride is made possible by support from the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Richard Frisby and Edward Burkhart Fund, Gay and Lesbian Broward Community Fund, Helene and William Shillington Fund, Blockbuster Entertainment Unrestricted Fund and Francis J. Crowley Fund.

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