Candles throw light across the shadow of HIV/AIDS

Beijing - MSI China launched the AIDS. Art. Life Contemporary Art Exhibition in Beijing in May as part of the annual International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.

The exhibition, supported by the UNDP China and Zeshan Foundation of Hong Kong is an important part of the “AIDS.Art.Life” project, an on-going collaboration between
HIV positive volunteers from the MSI China Positive Talks Project and the contemporary artists’ community in Beijing.

In front of an audience of 400 community, NGO and government representatives, three HIV+ volunteers took to the stage to share their stories and call for equal and respectful treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS.

“HIV/AIDS is not far from the public,” said one. “People living with HIV are not bad people, we need equal rights and dignity just as ordinary people.” Khalid Malik, UN Resident Co-ordinator in China told the audience: “This event serves to remind us that we cannot work alone but rather need joint efforts and sustained commitment and action from all walks of society to find a solution to HIV/AIDS. The art community’s involvement plays a unique role because art is a powerful tool to change people’s mindset and behaviour.”

MSI China Programme Director Lily Liu added: “As long as HIV/AIDS is prevalent in China, it is not the issue of a single individual. We hope that through this event, more people will join in the fight against HIV/AIDS to create a healthier and more respectful society.”

In the month following the launch, a series of themed activities took place in the exhibition space which provided the public with a chance to further engage with these
contemporary artists and the People Living With HIV Volunteers. When the exhibition closes in Beijing, the organisers are hoping to take it to other cities in China.

Related categories: China