Meet the team

In 2017, Hollie Grace embarked on a journey of exploration, rebellion, and celebration, culminating in the founding of AGEOFTHE. This platform has become the canvas for her artistic expression and a testament to the transformative power of queerness.

Hollie’s work is a reflection of her experiences and a celebration of the vibrant subcultures that thrive within queerness. Through interactive installations, she delves into the complex tapestry of queerness, femininity, and the social constructs that have long confined women in society. These installations are not passive experiences; they invite viewers to engage, question, and reimagine the boundaries that surround us.

As a performance artist, Hollie has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned venues such as CLAY, Zoo Edinburgh, and the Henry Moore Institute. These collaborations have allowed her to push the boundaries of traditional performance art, weaving together storytelling, movement, and visual elements to create immersive experiences that challenge norms and provoke thought.

In the world of drag, Hollie has carved out a unique path. She has been honored with the title of FairyDykeMother of the north, a recognition of her unapologetic approach to alternative drag. Hollie has chosen to go against the grain, defying stereotypes and embracing the full spectrum of queerness. Through her work, she has cultivated a diverse and passionate community of supporters and drag kids who, like her, believe in the power of self-expression and authenticity.

For this project, Hollie invites audiences to step into the confessional, where forgiveness and queerness are intimately intertwined. In many ways, drag artists like Hollie are walking confessional booths, offering refuge in smoking areas for young queers to share their truths. The emotional labor that comes with donning the wig and embodying these personas is both a privilege and a burden.

China Duke is an artist, performer and shapeshifter based in Leeds. China has been working in live performance for eleven years, beginning in Birmingham’s drag scene before slithering back to the North. Since returning, they have joined the performance collective AGE OF THE, consulted with other artists on makeup for art projects, and performed locally and nationally. China’s work utilises elements of drag, performance art and cabaret to explore queerness and monstrosity.

For Visions in The Map, China researched the history of cruising in Leeds and collaborated with Michael Lawton and Archie Brooks to create an installation and performance that pays tribute to an historic court case of two men caught cottaging in The Regent Inn.

Alice Boulton-Breeze is an artist, performer and producer based in Leeds. Alice is co-Director of Assembly House, an artist studio, project space and community arts organisation in Armley, in Leeds. Alice produces creative projects that bring out lesser known histories, brings communities and artists together and makes people proud of where they live. Alice has been performing for 10 years, and also makes installations, writes and performs poetry and works with her long-time collaborator Florence Simms.

Alice has been the lead producer of Visions in the Map, fundraising and managing this (very big) project. Alice has also lead on the banner artist commission, with the artist Rosie Reynolds, and created the Lesbian Disco installation in Harehills.

Artist

Jude Kershaw and an artist and historical interpreter based in Leeds. Jude is also a photographer and vintage fashion collector, who works across art projects and delivers workshops for KS2 in character and with genuine artefacts.

For Visions in the Map Jude has created a multi-media, interactive installation, reflecting on the nearly 50 year anniversary of the UK’s first translate conference, which was held in Leeds. Jude has brought the 1970s to 2023, and also asks what the experience of Trans people is today and in another 50 years.

Artist

Rosie is an illustrator and textile artist based in Leeds. After graduating from the University of Leeds Rosie was one of the founding members of artist collective Look No Hands!

Rosie has spent her time as part of Visions in the Map researching the history of music and resistance at the beloved Leeds pub, The Fenton, in Woodhouse. Rosie has written poetry, embroidered and appliqued, as well as working with Alice on the LGBTQ community banner making workshops.