The CDMLA opened a modest companion exhibit of queer materials from the CDMLA archive timed with the launch of Every Queer Thing on Wednesday, March 11. The intention was for the exhibit to run for a month. This was also the day the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
That weekend, VIVO discussed possible work options to keep everyone safe. Conditions changed daily. By Monday, the Province directed anyone who could stay home to do so. On Tuesday the 17th, the BC government declared a public health emergency. VIVO closed to the public, derailing our exhibition plans.
thank yous
The CDMLA thanks Emily Guerrero, Karen Knights, Syr Reifsteck and Sophie Roberge for their contributions to the Every Queer Thing exhibit. Special thanks to Clark Henderson, Video Technician, and Jae-Woo Kang, Technical Assistant.
objects
Display materials were selected from VIVO’s Crista Dahl Media Library & Archive and represent a small percentage of the queer materials in our collections. The bulk of items were produced between 1973 and 2006.
The objects were drawn from our International Exchange Network Files (1971-1999), Time & Space Publications Library (1968-), Media Artist & Activist Documentation files (1973-) Mary Anne McEwen fonds (1961-2011), Sara Diamond fonds (1970-2000), Metro Media fonds (1971-1986), Gayblevision fonds (1980-1986), Meg Torwl fonds (1990-2013), Satellite Video Exchange Society fonds (1971-).
Due to our closure documentation is limited. The exhibit photos were snapped the day of the launch for social media.