Camberwell Space to celebrate young LGBTQ+ artists in April exhibition
The gallery follows a three-month residency supporting 30 LGBTQ+ artists aged 18–28, where participants were selected through an open call
By Aaron Sugg
Camberwell Space at the Camberwell College of Arts is honouring LGBTQ+ youth artists in a new exhibition titled What Was, What Is, What Could Be.
Opening its doors to the public from 2 April to 22 April 2026, the free to attend exhibition marks seven years of the Queer Youth Art Collective (QYAC), the UK’s only national LGBTQ+ youth arts service.
The gallery follows a three-month residency supporting 30 LGBTQ+ artists aged 18–28, where participants were selected through an open call.
“Now more than ever, it feels hugely important to think about how we support access into the creative sector” – Ruth Lie, public programme manager at Camberwell Space
Ruth Lie, public programme manager at Camberwell Space, said in a news release: “It’s been wonderful to see the ways in which both the work and confidence of the QYAC artists have developed during their time in the Camberwell Space residency, and we look forward to seeing some of those outcomes within the exhibition.”
She added: “Now more than ever, it feels hugely important to think about how we support access into the creative sector, and to continually challenge our thinking about ourselves and the public programme we offer, keeping inclusivity and accessibility at the forefront.”
The What Was, What Is, What Could Be exhibition features new artwork created during the residency and archival material documenting seven years of the Queer Youth Art Collective.
What will be displayed at the What Was, What Is, What Could Be exhibition?
Highlights include The QYAC Quilt (2023), a collective textile reflecting the legacy of the AIDS Quilt, the world’s largest community art project, created during the AIDS pandemic.
Another impressive work set to appear includes the collaboratively produced, beautifully illustrated Recipe Book (2024), and Deck of Many Things (2025), an artist-designed oracle deck created by 49 queer artists.
If that wasn’t enough, a newly commissioned textile piece, The Hanging Archive, will also be on display, co-produced by QYAC members, facilitators, alumni, and contributions from LGBTQ+ youth groups across England.
“I hope people visit the show and realise the value of taking chances on young creative” – Fred Lanka, director at QYAC, on the What Was, What Is, What Could Be exhibition
The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Museum of Transology in London, the UK’s largest collection displaying trans, non-binary, and intersex history, which is supporting QYAC in archival practices ahead of the archive’s move to Bishopsgate Institute.
The exhibition marks a pivotal moment as QYAC transitions towards a model led by its young artists, alumni, and wider community.
Fred Lanka, director at QYAC, said in a news release: “I hope people visit the show and realise the value of taking chances on young creatives and trust that wonderful things will erupt just by offering up the space and freedom to be creative.”
Workshops, mentorship, and studio support provided during the residency have helped participants develop their creative practice and confidence, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to fostering LGBTQ+ talent in the arts.
For more information in the lead-up to the exhibition’s grand opening, please visit the official What Was, What Is, What Could Be website.