“A place of exploration”: Queeriosities is the annual makers fair centring queer art

Davy Pittoors is the founder of Queeriosities, London’s annual queer art and makers fair now making its home in Peckham’s Copeland Gallery from 26 September to 28 September 2025. Queeriosities came from Davy’s desire to “create an environment where queer makers could safely present their work, meet audiences directly, and do so under a consistent curatorial standard”. Davy’s background is in visual merchandising, so curation is a familiar practice, but it wasn’t until Davy acted upon his feelings of dissatisfaction that something clicked. Davy says: “I would see extraordinary pieces around me, yet there was no centralised place to find them presented thoughtfully.” And so, in 2023, Queeriosities Art and Makers Fair was born.

Alongside the fair, Davy also curates a fine-art exhibition – themed for each year. This year it’s We come to this place for magic and features six artists: Paul Majek, Devynn Barnes, Theo Dunne, Krzysztof Strzelecki, Marf Summers, and a debut by Lawrence Cuevas. Last year’s fair drew over 2,000 visitors, all in search of otherworldly works from queer artists.

In the face of frightening times, especially for trans and non-binary folk, community is key. “Some double down, making sure their perspectives aren’t lost. Others step away from their practice to focus on direct activism. All need space for self care and for community care,” says Davy. More than just a marketplace, Queeriosities is a platform and a “safe space to exhale”, Davy says. Queeriosities’ operations are interdisciplinary and cohesive, fostering an environment of care and hospitality through catering to the needs and interests of its community. Davy shares, “That dual focus – fair and exhibition, commerce and conversation – is what makes it distinct, and what excites me about its future.”

Queerness is anarchical in nature, and Davy’s role as curator is, in his words, about “creating the conditions where a spectrum of queer voices can come through”. By not putting limitations on the works at Queeriosities, conversation can flow. Of those works, stand outs include Emily Witham’s bold badges, Tony Mentel’s tapestry showing the opulence of the natural world, and Katja Farin’s ominous and uncanny painting style. Beloved community space The Common Press also finds a home in Queeriosities: “That mix of the new and familiar is what makes the fair feel alive: it’s never static, always evolving,” Davy says.

Exploration is a key facet of the fair, with queer art placed in the centre of discovery rather than at the periphery. Queeriosities will continue to expand, spurred on by its nomadic movement. The fair is a travelling platform, championing inclusivity across place, identity, and belonging. “Queeriosities is built to be a place of exploration,” Davy concludes, “and my hope is that people arrive ready to wander – and leave with new connections, new perspectives, and a renewed sense of belonging.”

You can catch Queeriosities until 28 September at Peckham’s Copeland Gallery.