Today, in partnership with V.O Curations, a London-based arts organization dedicated to supporting emerging and underrepresented artists, we are launching an outdoor, AR queer art exhibition called, Pride Augmented: A Celebration of Queer Art to celebrate London Pride.
The exhibition is powered by our AR technology and will showcase the artwork and stories of six LGBTQ+ artists as London marks 50 years since the first London Pride parade.
Developed by our AR studio, our City Landmarker technology will allow Snapchatters to see each artwork, beautifully displayed on iconic buildings as they explore Old Compton Street, Soho. The experience also transforms the sky into the rainbow colours of the Pride flag.
To experience the AR exhibit, visitors simply open their Snapchat and scan a rainbow-splashed Snapcode which can be discovered right outside our Snap-yellow building at 68 Old Compton Street, Soho from July 1st until August 14th. A playful, virtual tour guide called "The Orb" will direct Snapchatters through the exhibition experience as they discover the inspiration behind each artist and their artwork.
Curated by V.O Curations, the exhibition includes the artworks of emerging LGBTQ+ artists, Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley, Flo Brooks, Emanuel de Carvalho, Guendalina Cerruti, Bernice Mulenga and Ebun Sodipo.
“The opportunity to tell the stories of underrepresented and emerging LGBTQ+ artists through Snap’s AR technology is truly powerful and exciting. Pride Augmented: A Celebration of Queer Art is an exhibition geared towards creating a more inclusive LGBTQ+ community, a celebratory space for unique identities and a restorative one for those who have faced barriers in their day-to-day lives. The exhibition is a reminder to all of the importance of representing and amplifying queer voices.” Nnamdi Obiekwe, Co-Founder, V.O Curations.
"It’s our privilege to partner with VO Curations to showcase and celebrate the beautiful artwork of underrepresented, emerging artists from the LGBTQ+ community ahead of London Pride. This is an exhibition that truly celebrates and empowers diverse voices from the queer community. AR is a powerful tool for storytelling and for inclusivity. We are excited to bring the stories of these artists to life for Snapchatters and make these artworks accessible to our Gen Z community - we hope this exhibit will spark important conversations and help marginalised individuals in the LGBTQ+ community feel seen." Paul Sabas, Co-Lead, Snap Pride.
This experience is developed by Snap’s recently established Paris AR Studio which is focused on empowering and educating the next generation of creators to inspire the world about the possibilities of augmented reality across art, education, and culture.
The exhibition will be open to the public from July 2nd until August 14th. We’re excited for our community to celebrate London Pride and learn about the stories of these incredible artists.