Art as protest, embroidery as evidence, music as resistance. The Antwerp Queer Arts Festival (AQAF) returns for its 11th edition from August 2 to 30, turning the city into a month-long canvas of queer creativity, activism and connection. I hope I don’t have to tell you how crucial this still is, now and today. Since 2014, AQAF has been more than a festival. It’s a grassroots-powered platform where gender and sexual diversity are explored through every artistic medium imaginable: music, literature, dance, theatre, visual arts, workshops, film, embroidery, poetry, panel talks and everything in between. Expect local legends, international names, emerging queer talent and plenty of space to participate yourself. Whether you’re there to stitch, scream or simply be still, here’s your guide to some of the essential happenings.
© Image by Niki Stevens
QUEER comPASSION @ Museum Night
MAS, 2 August – from 22:00
AQAF launches its programme with a full-blown takeover of MAS during Museum Night. The museum’s current expo, COMPASSION, sets the tone with an evening of music, performance and intensity. Expect a vocal preview from the Antwerp Queer Choir ahead of their appearance at the opera house later this month, improvisational brilliance from Ewout Lehoucq and boots-the-house-zown spectacle by Grigri y El Macho Fantastico. DJ Simon Dhaen and Siemen Van Gucht are on deck to keep the good vibes going. It’s going to be bold, loud and tender.
MAS Darling – The Festival Within the Festival
MAS, 6–10 August
For five days, MAS Darling transforms the MAS museum into a space of queer reflection, resistance and uplifting. Curated in collaboration with AQAF, this micro-festival offers installations, performances, workshops and discussions around the theme of compassion. Dive in for deep conversation and a break from the binary.
OUR EXQUISITE CORPSE
MAS, 6–7 August (ongoing)
The wait for trans healthcare can feel endless. This installation makes that feeling visible – and shareable. Based on the concept of the ‘cadavre exquis’, this participatory quilt builds in real time as contributors stitch, draw or write to reflect the average wait time for trans healthcare in our region – a staggering 1,314,900 minutes. Every contribution counts. Every mark adds to the story. You don’t have to be an artist to join in – just bring your time and intention.
NONBINARY – Audiovisual Interactive Exhibition
MAS, 6–10 August, 10:00–17:00 – Free
This exhibition opens up a global, historical and cultural look at non-binary identity, drawing on academic research, lived experience, interviews and interactive visuals. Featuring a digital archive and personal accounts from around the world, ‘NONBINARY’ invites visitors to engage with gender not as a static category, but as a living, layered reality. Beautiful, complex and very timely.
COMPASSION CAN SAVE QUEER LIVES – Mural & Workshop
MAS, 6–10 August – Free
Berlin-based illustrator Alex Ottenwaelter leads an interactive mural project that turns visibility into action. In this multi-day workshop, participants will co-create a vibrant wall piece celebrating community, protection and queer joy. The mural is designed for group work – so come paint, learn large-format techniques and leave a mark on Antwerp. Occupying space like this is a necessity.
This is only a taste of all the events on offer. Browse the full AQAF programme & line-up HERE.
WHY IT ALL MATTERS
AQAF is a potent form of community infrastructure. It creates access, opportunities and safe platforms for queer artists and audiences alike. It’s also a fully volunteer-driven, grassroots organisation, meaning your ticket, time or donation goes straight to the folks making it happen.
Care to do more than attend? AQAF is always looking for volunteers, from event support and social media to hosting and artist care. Reach out via antwerpqueerarts@gmail.com if you want to get involved.
