Published: 26 Jul 2023
Photography by Dan Redican, courtesy of Shut Up & King
The KINGcubator (2.0) is turning the spotlight to Scottish drag kings with innovative support and inclusion within the drag scene, backed by £63,597 of National Lottery funds through the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards.
Glasgow-based platform Shut Up & King is building on the success of the Create:Inclusion funded pilot in 2022 and bringing The KINGcubator back – bigger and better. They’ve crafted a pioneering development programme and rolled out BSL interpreted events for drag kings (masculine presenting drag artists and performers).
Ten emerging drag kings at a critical stage in their creative journeys will be championed and mentored by veteran drag kings and supported through a range of specialist workshops, regular act development and wellness sessions, catering to a variety of access needs.
Dorian T. Fisk, Shut Up & King Founder and The KINGcubator 2.0 Project Co-Director, said: “For artists who’re often marginalised and face barriers in the local drag scene, and even more so in the Arts, our programme provides the practical help, mentorship, skills development and resources for drag king participants to stage acts and gain the confidence to get their first shows booked.
“The Open Fund grant also enables us to produce a regular BSL interpreted cabaret at a wheelchair accessible venue in Glasgow to not only introduce this under-appreciated art form to a wider audience, but also to provide up-and-coming drag kings already active in the Scottish scene much-needed regular opportunities to perform and hone their craft.”
New for this year, these regular BSL interpreted events like the King & Caboodle Cabaret have an emphasis on casting under-represented performers including people of colour and trans artists.
Jonathan McLean, Creative Learning Officer at Creative Scotland, commented: “Not only is The KINGcubator(2.0) raising the profile of drag kings in Scotland, paving the way to bring more gender expression performance into the sector and further establishing drag as an accessible artform, but they’re making sure everyone can be involved with their keen focus on removing barriers to participation.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, aspiring drag artists who’ve traditionally had less support from and visibility within the Arts sector now have the opportunity to develop their performance and creativity skills in a supportive environment and ultimately inspire others through the planned showcase performance. We encourage any budding drag kings who are just starting out and working out how their own crown fits to apply and engage with the sessions available.”
The KINGcubator application period starts in October 2023 and mentorship workshops will run from November to December, culminating in a “Scotland’s New Kings On The Block” BSL interpreted showcase in mid-December.
Details of upcoming events and applications can be found on Shut Up & King’s Facebook and Instagram, or you can get in touch for more information by emailing kingcubator@gmail.com.
Some more highlights from the recent Creative Scotland Open Fund awards:
Creative Scotland’s Open Fund
The National Lottery has raised more than £41 billion for more than 565,000 good causes across the UK since 1994. Thanks to The National Lottery players, up to £600 million has been made available to support people, projects and communities throughout the UK during the Coronavirus crisis.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
Jacqueline Munro, Media Relations & PR Coordinator
E: Jacqueline.Munro@creativescotland.com
M:+44 (0) 7967 822 266
