An Immersive LGBTQ+ Exhibition Is Coming To Oxford Street This Summer

By Olivia Emily

2 weeks ago

Proud West End is returning to the capital in June


An audio-visual LGBTQ+ exhibition is coming to London’s West End this summer, curated by Heard Storytelling and Oxford Street in collaboration with Grosvenor. Here’s everything you need to know about Proud West End, plus where to find it.

Proud West End Exhibition Returns For 2024

Proud West End, an audio-visual art exhibition, curated by Oxford Street and Heard Storytelling, which champions and amplifies the voices and stories of the West End’s LGBTQIA+ community

© Jonathan Hordle/PA Wire

Last year, Proud West End made its debut, bringing a series of living portraits to the capital sharing the important stories and amplifying the vibrant voices of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. And, after a successful run, we’re pleased to see it will be making a return in 2024, with 11 living portraits taking over Grosvenor Square.

‘The return of PROUD WEST END for a second year provides a vital platform for voices often unheard,’ says Colette Burroughs-Rose, Director at Heard Storytelling. ‘True spoken storytelling uniquely deepens understanding and creates connections. By sharing diverse, lived experiences in this creative and impactful way, we aim to foster solidarity, hope, and pride. Heard Storytelling remains committed to driving positive change through spoken storytelling and we’re grateful to New West End Company and Grosvenor for working with us to that end.’

‘We are delighted to be bringing back PROUD West End for the second year running, following the incredible reception of last year’s exhibition, created to celebrate our local LGBTQIA+ community during Pride month,’ adds Dee Corsi, CEO at New West End Company. ‘What makes the West End so special is the diverse community of people who visit, work and live in its vicinity, and it has been a privilege to work with Heard Storytelling and Grosvenor to bring some of these stories to life with this free-to-access, immersive art exhibition.’

Toby (He/Him) at Proud West End, an audio-visual art exhibition, curated by Oxford Street and Heard Storytelling, which champions and amplifies the voices and stories of the West End’s LGBTQIA+ community

© Jonathan Hordle/PA Wire

How Does It Work?

Proud West End sees 11 portraits installed in central London, accompanied by a QR code. Scan the QR code, and visitors can watch the subject of the portrait tell their candid, personal stories of pride, representation and resilience.

Meanwhile, an array of Oxford Street’s myriad shops, restaurants and brands will be supporting the celebrations by running offers and experiences as part PROUD WEST END. Stay up to date at @oxfordstreetw1 or visit www.oxfordstreet.co.uk.

Where?

Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6AN

When?

11 June 2024

How?

Visiting is totally free – just show up and scan the QR code. Learn more about Heard Storytelling at heardstorytelling.com