In a significant show of support for the LGBTQIA+ community and their artistic endeavors, TD Bank has generously donated $25,000 to the Art League of Long Island (ALLI). The funds will be directed towards the expansion of ALLI’s Queer Art Initiatives, aimed at promoting equal rights, inclusion, and creative expression within the visual art community. The LGBTQIA+ community has long been at the forefront of the fight for equality, and ALLI is proud to celebrate and champion queer artists and artwork. By fostering a safe and inclusive space, ALLI aims to uplift and embrace the LGBTQIA+ community in their artistic journey. TD Bank will make a formal announcement of the donation at the reception for our recent Queer Art Workshops on June 22nd at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
As part of the Queer Art Initiatives, ALLI recently organized a series of three workshops, conducted by queer artist Liv Cocozza, exploring LGBTQIA+ art and literature from the past to the future. These workshops culminate with an exhibition of the artworks created during the program, which will be on display in the Art League’s Strolling Gallery from June 17 to July 29. The artist received support through a grant from the Huntington Arts Council, while ALLI provided various in-kind services such as marketing, web hosting, facilities, exhibition supplies, and preparator fees.
To commemorate the participants’ achievements and celebrate their artwork, an exhibition reception will be held on June 22. TD Bank will make a formal announcement of its support at this reception. This event will bring together the instructor, participants, and the wider ALLI community to engage in conversations with the artists and instructor, and to appreciate the creative expressions on display.
The impact of TD Bank’s generous funding is immense. It empowers queer youth from Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens by providing them with a safe space to create art, collaborate with professional artists and mentors, receive unencumbered support from the artistic community, and exhibit their artwork in a professional setting. While there are numerous nonprofit organizations providing social services to the queer community, there are none on Long Island that provide this type of safe and supportive artistic outlet and expression. By providing an opportunity to celebrate this community, the ALLI will poise itself as the leading artistic center on Long Island, raising awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues, fostering community support, and encouraging acceptance through various artistic outlets.
For more information about ALLI’s Queer Art Initiatives and upcoming events, please visit www.artleagueli.org
—Submitted by the Art League of Long Island