FAQ: Queerating
Do I need museum or creative experience?
Absolutely not! No museum or curating experience is necessary. Whether you love museums or are new to them, all applications are welcome!
You don’t have to have done a creative project before either. All we need from you is enthusiasm and a willingness to take part.
Do I need to be based in Bath?
Not at all! You just need to be able to get to Bath and the Museum for the key workshop dates. However, as the project explores the local area, with a focus on the Museum and its collection, we strongly encourage applicants based in, or that have a connection, to the Southwest to apply.
Will it cost money to take part?
No! It’s free to take part.
We will reimburse travel expenses within Southwest up to £30 per person, per session.
If you are travelling from elsewhere in the UK, we will contribute to your travel costs. However, the support available will depend on your location and the number of participants requiring additional travel assistance.
If your application is successful, we’ll discuss your travel arrangements and the support you need before the project begins.
You will also receive a small budget to support your work as the project develops.
If you have any questions about travel costs before applying, get in touch by emailing queerating@meaa.org.uk
What if things change and I can’t finish the project?
We know that things change, and there may be changes to your circumstances which means that you can’t see the project through to the end. What we ask is that when you apply, you are committed to working with us on the project until May 2027.
What to expect from a workshop?
Workshops will take place in the Museum or in the local area and be led by QCU members, MEAA staff or community leaders. Each session will look different, and may involve moving around the City, the Museum building, writing, recording or making creative responses. Information about each workshop will be sent in advance, and you’ll be asked questions at the end of each session for you to give your feedback.
Who are Queer China UK?
Queer China UK (QCU) is a community-driven organisation that connects, supports, and empowers Chinese LGBTQIA+ people in the UK through arts, culture, and community-centered programmes. Their mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and improve access to creative expression for queer people of Chinese heritage. QCU will lead the workshops and activities, supporting you throughout the project.
While QCU’s mission focuses on supporting Chinese communities, Queerating welcomes applications from anyone who identifies with an East or Southeast Asian heritage or background.
Visit the QCU website to learn more.
Who are MEAA and why are they involved in this project?
The Museum of East Asian Art (MEAA) is an independent educational charity, dedicated to sharing the stories and histories of communities from across East and Southeast Asia. Based in Bath, MEAA was founded in 1993 by Brian McElney OBE and has a collection of over 2,000 objects from East and Southeast Asia.
For much of MEAA’s history, the collection’s interpretation has been shown through the lens of our founder, a British white man living and working in colonial Hong Kong. We recognise the importance of broadening this narrative to include perspectives from communities the collection represents.
Queerating is part of MEAA’s wider commitment to working collaboratively with ESEA communities, artists and creatives. Through projects like this, we aim to explore new perspectives and create more inclusive ways of engaging with the collection.
Read more about MEAA on our About page.
Why is this project happening now?
Over the last few years there has been a growing focus on queer heritage in Bath. However, ESEA voices remain notably underrepresented. Through consultation, we’ve learnt that some audiences think ESEA stories sit outside the narrative of the City, which usually focuses on Georgian and Roman histories.
At MEAA, we believe ESEA communities’ stories and voices are a valuable part of Bath’s history and local community. Queerating is an opportunity to create a meaningful contribution to queer ESEA storytelling in the City and beyond.
What about my privacy and safety?
We want to make sure you feel supported and safe throughout the project. We know this won’t look the same for everyone, so we will work with you to understand and accommodate your needs wherever possible.
This might include not being photographed during workshops or events, or being anonymised in exhibition texts, interpretation materials, or social media content.
We also expect MEAA staff, QCU facilitators, and participants to respect one another’s privacy and boundaries, helping to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Why the word ‘queer’?
MEAA recognises that the word ‘queer’ has a complex and potentially triggering history for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and that it is still viewed by some as a slur. At MEAA, we are mindful of this history and understand that some people may find this language offensive or uncomfortable.
Our choice to use the word ‘queer’ reflects an effort to use language that encompasses a broad spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. This is reflected in the widespread use of the term within parts of the LGBTQIA+ community, academia, and national and local museum programming.
In this context, the word ‘queer’ is intended to be inclusive. However, we recognise that it may not reflect everyone’s experience, identity, or preferred language.
If you have any specific concerns, please feel free to contact us before applying.
For MEAA’s commitment to inclusivity and safety, read our Inclusivity and Safety Statement.
Still have a question? Email queerating@meaa.org.uk