Privy Privy (NYC)

Created by artists Donna Oblongata and Patrick Costello, Privy Privy is an immersive, participatory experience. Simulating an alternate-universe queer nightclub featuring glory holes, through which come actual human hands holding ice cream cones. Those who choose to get on their knees and indulge receive a totally unique moment of sweetness. Amongst a maelstrom of anti-queer legislation nationally, Privy Privy turns the dominant culture’s predatory and homophobic definition of obscenity on its head. We invite everyone to experience delicious pleasure without shame. Privy Privy’s bottom line is that pleasure and sweetness are for everyone.​ Privy Privy's soundtrack (which visitors hear throughout the experience) comes exclusively from original mixtapes created during the height of the AIDS epidemic in New York, and played in clubs including The Saint and Crisco Disco. The tapes were handed down by a queer elder, who kept them after the DJs who created them passed away. The tapes have been digitized by the artists for the installation, bringing us into direct contact with a critical moment of queer history. Privy Privy is brought to life by the collaborative efforts of over a dozen artists and performers based around the country. ​​ ​Privy Privy premiered as a commission from Cannonball Festival in Philadelphia in 2023. From there, the installation was invited to its NYC debut at 601 ArtSpace, which led to presenting during Art Basel Miami in 2024 and SXSW in 2025.