Stik banner auction to raise money for LGBTQI+ youth project

Stik’s banner, representing Hackney at ‘Pride in London’ 2016

World famous street artist Stik is to give the money raised by the sale of his Hackney Pride banner to local youth group Project Indigo.

The banner was mounted on a black cab to represent the borough at the London Pride parade last year, and has since been on loan to the Hackney Museum.

Stik recently announced that the unique artwork would be sold off in May by renowned auction house Christie’s, where it is thought bids could reach tens of thousands of pounds.

Money raised by the online auction will help train youngsters from Project Indigo to curate an exhibition showcasing the borough’s diverse LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex) heritage.

Project Indigo is a free counselling service for young LGBTQI+ people or for those questioning their sexual or gender identity. The group meets on Thursday evenings at The Off Centre in Homerton.

Stik outside Hackney Town Hall with a smaller version of the artwork

Stik, who lives in the borough, said: “Hackney’s radical LGBTQI+ community has been fundamental in creating the freedoms we enjoy today. This exhibition will shine a light on our past victories and fallen soldiers in the battle for recognition.

“For the first time our legacy will be officially recognised in a definitive archive to be immortalised and available to the public, empowering people around the world for generations to come. I’m happy to be able to give back to the queer community who have helped me in so many ways over the years.”

Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville said: “The Stik Hackney Pride banner is a powerful image that celebrates love and diversity. We are very lucky that money raised from this sale will not only fund support for LGBTQI+ young people in the borough, but will celebrate Hackney’s LGBTQI+ history and create a legacy that can be used by generations to come.”

Christie’s will manage the online auction between 4-13 April. The banner will also be on display from 31 March at the auction house’s King Street premises.

To take part in the auction, or to find out more about the Stik Hackney Pride Banner display, please visit the Christie’s website here.