Self-portraits for Lesbian Visibility Day

Events

Date

26 Apr 2026

Time

2:00pm - 4:00pm

Price

FREE

Location

Polden Commons

Location

Polden Commons

ResLife Katie

Visibility through creativity

Art that starts with you

As the term picks up pace and deadlines begin to settle in, it’s easy to lose sight of the space to reflect, express, and be yourself. Taking a moment to pause can be just as important as keeping up.

In celebration of Lesbian Visibility Day, we’re hosting a Self-Portrait Making event; a creative, welcoming session for students to explore identity, expression, and visibility in their own way.

This relaxed workshop invites you to create a self-portrait using a range of materials and accessories, from collage and illustration to mixed media. Whether your approach is abstract, detailed, playful, or understated, there’s no right way to take part — the focus is on expressing something that feels personal to you.

Finished pieces will have the opportunity to be featured on our Instagram, celebrating the diversity and individuality within our ResLife community. Sharing is completely optional, and you’re free to engage with the event in whatever way feels comfortable.

More than anything, this is a chance to step away from academic pressures, connect with others, and take part in something thoughtful and creative. Whether you come with a clear idea or none at all, you’ll leave with something that reflects a part of you — and a moment of calm in a busy term.

Polden Commons is located on the ground floor of Polden B Block, next to the Polden Cafe. The room is fully accessible with steps free access and a range of both booth and table seats available. There are accessible toilets located on the same floor.

ResLife Ambassadors will be there to welcome you – you’ll be able to recognise them in their light blue RLA hoodies and t-shirts with the ResLife logo on.

This is a calm, inclusive session where you can take part in a way that feels comfortable for you. You’re free to drop in at any time, work at your own pace, and leave whenever you need — there’s no expectation to finish a piece or share it.

A range of materials and accessories will be available for you to use, with different supplies and styles to choose from. You are also welcome to bring anything of your own, from make-up to specific outfit or accessories you want to wear. The space will have a moderate level of background noise, similar to a small group workshop, and RLAs can help you find a quieter area available if you’d prefer a more low-stimulation environment

ResLife Ambassadors will be on hand if you want support or ideas, but you’re equally welcome to work independently. If you choose to have your work featured on Instagram, this will be entirely optional and discussed with you beforehand.

If you would like to attend more events like this one, make sure to check the ResLife Events page regularly for our latest updates.

For more ways to connect, you can see events hosted by the SU here, as well as information on societies and how you can join.

Please note:

We have photographers and film-makers at some of our events to capture footage to share online and for use in future promotional materials. If you don't want to be featured, please inform a member of the ResLife Team.