P.E.I. art event wants you to 'SEXperience' Charlottetown
Lindsay Carroll | CBC News | Posted: June 24, 2016 9:00 AM | Last Updated: June 24, 2016
Event aims to open conversations around sex and sexuality in Charlottetown
A group of P.E.I. artists want to help Islanders become more open about talking about sex, through a unique interactive art event called The Charlottetown SEXperience.
From sexual experience to gender identity — organizers want everything out on the table.
It feels so strange, like stepping back into a different time when I come back here, everything is kind of hush hush. - Jenna MacMillan
"We're embracing both positive and negative aspects of the sexual culture in Charlottetown," said organizer Jenna MacMillan.
"Speaking from my experience, sex is just something that isn't talked about, and sexuality in general is just something that tends to be shoved under the rug in this culture."
The event will feature performance art, visual art, a gay bar, rap performances, videos, a dance floor with a DJ, and music and a performance from Kinley.
For her part in the show, MacMillan interviewed Islanders about their sexual experiences. Those interviews cover topics including being transgender, or being in an "open" relationship.
MacMillan lived in Toronto for six years, and said she noticed people there were more open discussing sexuality, and nothing was taboo.
"It feels so strange, like stepping back into a different time when I come back here, everything is kind of hush hush."
Atmosphere 'one of excitement'
Organizer Maria Campbell will be performing a live rap about sex in the Maritimes, and screening a video of her twerking to fiddle music.
"Really in the end the atmosphere is going to be one of excitement and positivity and trying to generate that conversation and dialogue, just to get the doors busted open … to get rid of some of that shame culture we seem to hold on to."
The event will also feature art pieces that look at the dark side of sexuality, such as being attacked or harassed. Organizers say there will be signs up alerting people about material that could trigger negative emotional reactions.
The event is taking place Friday at 8 p.m. on the second floor of 133 Queen Street.