During the Utrecht Canal Pride on Saturday, June 3, Vodafone will unveil the digital 'Real Models' collage artwork. The work, composed of various portraits, symbolizes the diverse face of the queer community. Pride visitors can become part of the artwork themselves, which changes in real-time. As the main sponsor, Vodafone strengthens the message of Utrecht Canal Pride: What if love is the masterplan? Could you be the masterpiece?
Freedom to be yourself
When you feel the freedom to be yourself, you can truly maximize your potential. Role models that you can identify with play a positive and inspiring role in this process. Especially for LGBTQI+ youth, the opportunity for recognition through representation is crucial in their development. Although there has been increasing attention to freedom and self-expression in recent years, it also seems to become more challenging for young people to form their own identities. They express a desire to be less confined to labels. The different faces in the artwork 'Real Models' symbolize the diversity of the queer community and the ongoing process of identity formation.
Face of the queer community
The digital artwork aims to showcase realistic role models. Visitors to the Utrecht Canal Pride can actually become part of the moving artwork themselves. This can be done by having their portrait taken in the specially designed photo booth located at Stationsplein near Utrecht Central Station between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. The continuously changing face will be displayed throughout the day on various digital screens in the city center of Utrecht.