News

North London NHS Foundation Trust is proud to announce the much-anticipated 2025 Loudest Whispers art exhibition, a vibrant celebration of diversity, inclusion, and mental wellbeing within the local community. Now in its 15th year, the exhibition continues to be a vital platform for LGBTQ+ artists, allies, and local creators, fostering dialogue and raising awareness through artistic expression.

The exhibition is part of the nationwide LGBT History Month programme and is proudly supported by forum+, Camden Giving, the Rainbow Network, and Westminster University. A VIP guest will officially open the event, marking the significance of this powerful artistic showcase.

Preview Launch Event: 

• Friday, 7 February 2025
• 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• The Conference Centre, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, NW1 0PE

A Journey Through Activism and Social Change
This year’s exhibition explores the theme of Activism and Social Change, reflecting on how protest movements have shaped the LGBTQ+ community’s historical struggles and triumphs. Despite progress, disparities remain, and the exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for true equality.

Featuring 48 artists, the exhibition presents a compelling mix of perspectives, from professional creators to self-taught outsider artists. Highlights include:

• Simon Croft’s study on historical LGBT archiving
• Lucas Blackwood’s exploration of LGBT subtext in English literature
• Celebrations of Queer and LGBT activists including Bette Bourne, Transformer, and Scarlet Cannon
• Richard Kaby’s powerful portrait of trans wrestlers
• Jill Rock’s driftwood installation inspired by LGBT colours
• The NHS Trust’s Rainbow Network’s exclusive staff slogan t-shirts
• An interactive space for visitors to create gender signs and symbols using stones
  
  

A standout feature is Jennie Lazenby’s archival image from the 1987 ‘Stop the Clause’ march, featuring prominent figures such as Chris Smith, Peter Tatchell, Michael Cashman, and disabled activists—a testament to the enduring spirit of activism. The exhibition also proudly showcases work by Trust staff Anita Markopoulos and Simon Richardson and contributions from Westminster University students.

Art as a Catalyst for Change
Loudest Whispers is more than an exhibition—it’s a platform for connection, reflection, and empowerment. Art serves as a bridge between mental health and social advocacy, breaking down stigmas and encouraging open discussions around LGBTQ+ experiences and wellbeing.

Curator Peter Herbert, Manager of The Arts Project, shared:

“This year’s collection reflects the evolving world around us, balancing optimism with the challenges we continue to face. We are particularly excited to extend our collaboration with the University of Westminster through the ‘Facing the Public’ project, offering students opportunities in gallery-based installations, research, and short filmmaking. Working alongside Professor Pippa Catterall, we aim to nurture the next generation of creative voices.”

Hosted by North London NHS Foundation Trust, Loudest Whispers is made possible through the support of the Trust’s charitable foundation. A portion of the proceeds from art sales will go towards funding projects that benefit staff and service users, ensuring continued investment in mental health and wellbeing initiatives.

Join Us
This year’s Loudest Whispers exhibition promises to be an unmissable event, uniting art, activism, and mental health awareness in an inspiring showcase. We invite the public to join us in celebrating creativity, resilience, and the power of artistic expression.

For more information, please contact:
Peter Herbert, Curator Manager, Arts Project via 020 7913 8416 or e-mail theartsproject1@gmail.com