The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, National Gallery of Ireland and Kilmainham Gaol Museum presented OUTing the Past Dublin 2021: The International Festival of LGBTI+ History which ran from 22 to 28 March 2021.
The National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History will hosted a selection virtual events including ‘It’s What You Wear’ by Trans activist Sara R. Phillips, exploring the role that clothing has played for the trans-community over the past 200 years; and Taryn de Vere exploring fashion activism in an interactive virtual workshop.
To learn more about the 2021 programme of events at the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts & History, please find all online content below.
OUTing the Past Festival programme at the National Museum of Ireland
Breaking Down Barriers
2pm / Wednesday / 24 March
We were joined by Dan Vo, a Victoria and Albert ambassador and founder of the volunteer-led LGBTQ+ tours at the museum. Dan delivered a live presentation of original research conducted with 50 galleries, libraries, archives and museums across the UK engaged in LGBTQ+ programming. Dan was also be joined by Kris Reid for a Q&A session. Kris Reid is a PhD Candidate at Ulster University. His research focuses on museum-based activism within the context of LGBTQ+ heritage, exploring the pathways and barriers towards museum engagement with issues of social justice.
I am and CAMP Project
Throughout the day / Friday / 26 March
We were joined by Bríd Murphy and Darren Collins who took over the Museum's social media accounts to discuss the CAMP Project and the 'I am' art installation.
The CAMP project is a series of collaborative works created by artists working directly and in collaboration with a number of different Irish Traveller groups and communities. The project was inspired by Travellers’ Journey, a year long temporary exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life.
‘I am’ is a video and sound installation that resulted from the collaboration between Darren Collins, a Traveller and LGBTQI+ activist, and visual artist and LSAD undergrad Bríd Murphy.
Reclaiming the Link with the Past: History and Legacy of the Pink Triangle
4pm / Friday / 26 March
Prof Dr Rainer Schulze delivered a presentation discussing the links between the generation of gay men (and LGBTIQ people more widely) persecuted under the Nazi regime (and before); through to the 'AIDS crisis' of the 1980s and 1990s to the present, creating an awareness of past struggles which continue to cast a long shadow on LGBTIQ lives until today.
Fashion Activism Workshop
12pm / Sunday / 28 March
Taryn de Vere is an artist, writer and fashion activist living in Donegal. Known for upcycling and wearable art, de Vere is also well known for making unique jewellery and headpieces. Taryn de Vere delivered an engaging workshop which examined how LGBTQI+ activism demonstrates the power of fashion as an activist tool.
It’s What You Wear
3pm / Sunday / 28 March
Sara R Phillips examined the part that clothing has played for the trans-community over the past 200 years, through her own personal story and an exploration of the Irish trans-archive.