After a hugely successful launch at Manchester Pride last year - Let's Talk about Chemsex by international artist Harold Offeh enters its second phase. At this event Offeh is seeking people to participate in a series of workshops exploring different queer experiences of Chemsex, intimacy, desire, and consent within a safe and trustful space. This event will be an introductory session in two parts. The morning session is about meeting the artist and getting to know you, with an informal activity after lunch (provided). Feel free to drop in for part or all of the day and learn about how to get involved and be part of a unique, art making experience.
This session will be then followed by 3 more in person workshops over the next few months, with some online sessions held in between. These subsequent dates will be confirmed after March 16th.
As the project progresses participants will work with Offeh, other artists, and Brighter Sound to produce audio recordings, sound works and music, reflecting differing perspectives and experiences of Chemsex. You will be supported to develop your own individual and collective creative responses with an opportunity to learn about song writing, music production and live performance. No previous experience of art or music making is needed.
We want to reflect as wide a range of voices as possible, without judgement, stigma, or shame. Participants will see their work presented as part of special limited edition mix tape. You will also have an opportunity to participate in a public showcase at Manchester Art Gallery during Recoverist Month (September 2024) with a public contribution also planned for this years Manchester Pride.
Let's Talk about Chemsex Voicemail Care-line.
Why not also anonymously call our, Let’s Talk About Chemsex Voicemail Care-line on 0161 850 7852. Leave a message and share your thoughts and feelings on Chemsex, or themes of consent, HIV, and queer intimacy without guilt, shame, or stigma. These anonymous recordings will contribute to an audio archive for informing ongoing project development. All reflections are welcome!
Further Detail.
Let’s Talk about Chemsex led by Harold Offeh is a year-long project that aims to explore the queer communities’ broad range of experiences of sex on Chems. Harnessing the power of the legendary Salt N Pepa track Let's Talk About Sex (1991), to talk about consent, intimacy, and desire. The track aimed to de-stigmatize discussion of sex and desire in popular culture. It was released at the height of the AIDS crisis and was accompanied by a now forgotten B’side called Let’s Talk About AIDS (1991), featuring the same tune but with lyrics addressing HIV/AIDS as something to address without shame or prejudice.
Using workshops, talks and performance the project seeks to visually map and survey a diverse range of experiences. Let's Talk About Chemsex will draw on this history and aims to support efforts by organisations in Manchester to promote non-judgemental discussions on Chemsex, consent, HIV and queer intimacy.
Commissioned by Portraits of Recovery and supported in partnership by Manchester Art Gallery and Brighter Sound.
Recoverist = recovery + activist