Queer Creations
EMERGENCE: Rising Embers is a vibrant creative programme celebrating queer identity, resilience and community through music, making and shared ritual. Bringing together LGBTQ+ participants and allies in welcoming, supportive spaces, the season invites people of all experience levels to explore self-expression, solidarity and renewal.
The programme features three hands-on workshops led by practicing artists, each offering a different creative pathway. In the Emerging Songs workshop, artist Anna Sherratt guides participants through accessible approaches to songwriting, exploring themes of human resilience and queer life while building confidence in crafting meaningful lyrics.
In the Queer Pennant workshop, queer artist, academic and art psychotherapist Emily Laurens reimagines traditional maritime flags as bold expressions of identity and unity. Participants sew and embellish fabric pennants using paint, appliqué and print techniques to create personal symbols of solidarity.
The Stained-Glass Lantern workshop, led by multidisciplinary artist and tutor Bean Sawyer, introduces participants to glass cutting and copper-foil soldering techniques to construct their own three-dimensional lanterns. With no prior experience required and all materials provided, each person creates a unique piece designed to reflect their individual style.
The season culminates in EMERGENCE: The Gathering, held at Bloomfield House. This celebratory evening marks the return of the light and brings the community together to share the creative work developed throughout the programme — including songs, flags, lanterns and visual pieces. The event includes afternoon tea, optional tea dancing, and a Lantern Lighting Ritual featuring original songs created during the Rising Embers workshop, offering a collective moment of reflection, celebration and renewal.
Together, the EMERGENCE programme creates space for creativity, connection and shared light — honouring queer stories and strengthening community through collective making and celebration.
All are welcome to one or all of these workshops. All are free to join but booking essential.
Images from Emergence Out In The Community Poster workshop
SPAN Arts works to create platforms for diverse voices in our community. As a rural area, true diversity in West Wales can sometimes be difficult to see. In reality, Pembrokeshire is diverse physically, culturally, psychologically, and sexually. Without the central gathering points of major urban areas, these communities often remain hidden from view and absent from our wider cultural life. This invisibility can lead to a lack of understanding in the broader community and risks losing the cultural exchange that enriches us all.
This project is supported by a Welsh Government Culture Grant Scheme Grant, administered by Adferiad, to develop new LGBTQ+-led creative programmes in Pembrokeshire. The events, projects, and activities funded through this support have been designed and approved by a group of LGBTQ+ artists and community members. If you are interested in supporting this work, please email director@span-arts.org.uk. Alongside these projects, we are also seeking new ideas through the open call below.
