Sunday School Stories | Rainbow Streets: Then & Next
7 May 2025
Let's celebrate our local LGBTQIA+ trailblazers, communities, and heritage through art and song this Pride Month. Champion your favourite LGBTQIA+ musical artists by submitting tracks to co-produce a soundtrack for our Sunday School Stories exhibition of artwork made by local students inspired by Islington’s rich heritage of LGBTQIA+ heroes.
We've partnered with neighbours the Estorick Collection to bring you an exhibition of artwork, co-produced with local students, inspired by incredible LGBTQIA+ people, organisations, and movements throughout the ages. The artworks will be lovingly displayed from the ceiling of Union Chapel's iconic Grade II* listed Upper Hall (bar).
Get involved by sending us songs from LGBTQIA+ musicians that have most inspired you.
This curated playlist will soundtrack the exhibition. Scroll down to find out how.
Our archive volunteers are leading the research into Islington Local History Centre's Pride archives revealing a wealth of LGBTQIA+ legacy – including gay youth clubs, inspirational local heroes, same-sex marriages, and more - all feeding into our rich culture today. The exhibition aims to honour these individuals for their advocacy, solidarity, inclusivity, and cultural contributions.
Book your tickets, submit your favourite tracks and be part of this community celebration, co-produced by Archive Research Volunteers, Estorick Collection, Students, Union Chapel & Estorick members, and YOU!
When?
Tuesday 17 June, 1-2pm | Free Tickets pre-booking required here.
Tuesday 24 June, 1-2pm | Free Tickets pre-booking required here.
Or come to a live evening show between 11 - 30 June to enjoy the exhibition too.
We're also inviting local organisations and charities that advocate for LGBTQIA+ equal rights for private viewings on 17 & 24 June 12-1pm. If this is you, please reach out to [email protected] for availability.
Where?
Union Chapel bar, 19b Compton Terrace, N1 2UN
Can I get involved?
Yes! We're calling out for submissions of your favourite and most inspiring LGBTQIA+ musical artists for a playlist accompanying the exhibition. Simply email [email protected] by 18th May with:
- Your chosen track
- Artist name
- Spotify link (if possible)
- Your name.
We'll then curate the playlist and add your name on a legend that will be proudly displayed for our audiences to see your involvement.
Progress:
Together with volunteers, we're currently gathering incredible real-life moments from the archives that will inspire our young community to express these once-lost stories through the power of art. Soon, we'll be inviting students to workshops where they will create and share together.
Any interested KS4+ schools can get in touch with [email protected] for booking.
More soon - Subscribe for updates here.
The Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art is internationally renowned for its core of Futurist works. It comprises some 120 paintings, drawings, watercolours, prints and sculptures by many of the most prominent Italian artists of the modernist era. There are six galleries, two of which are used for temporary exhibitions. Since opening in 1998, the Collection has established a reputation and gained critical acclaim as a key venue for bringing Italian art to the British public.
