Cultural activities and displays during the "Changing Tomorrow" conference

Sunil Gupta

Sunil is an Indian born Canadian citizen living and working in London as a visual artist and curator. During the conference Sunil displayed From here to eternity, a series of 12 paired colour photographs that take a ‘cool, considered but emotive look’ at the artist’s experience of being an Asian gay man living with HIV. Sunil also kindly donated his time and expertise as the official conference photographer.

MADaboutART

The MADaboutART project exists to unite children around the world in understanding and fighting HIV and AIDS through art and education. Children’s pictures from the project were displayed in the main hall during the conference.

One Vision

On World AIDS Day 2003, the gauntlet was thrown down to European photographers to produce uplifting images that challenged the stigma of HIV, expressed solidarity and raised the visibility of people living with the virus. Hundreds of amateur and professional photographers, many living with or affected by HIV, responded with gusto, producing a body of inspiring images for the One Vision European photographic competition. All the winning entries were brought together and displayed around the venue during the conference, with thanks to Bristol Myers Squibb for supporting this initiative.

Vina Ladwa

Kathak is one of the seven forms of South Asian classical dance that emphasises storytelling through mime and body techniques. It originates from north India. In Hindi, kathak means ‘humanity’. Nottingham-based dancer, choreographer and tutor, Vina Ladwa, performed a wonderful Kathak dance for the conference’s closing ceremony.

International Gospel Dancers

The International Gospel Dancers describe themselves as a dance group ‘consumed with zeal to shake their bodies to gospel beats’. They ‘dance their hearts out only to bring hope, joy and also to minister love in a hurting world’. The dancers performed at the conference opening ceremony.

The Actionettes

The Actionettes are an all female, glittery dance troupe based in London who perform 60s girl group pop (unless they want to dance to something else). They like to sparkle, have fun and get everyone on their feet. The unstoppable girls gave a sparkling performance in the main hall on the Sunday night of the conference.

Birchgrove red ribbon

This giant ribbon of hundreds of small red ribbons, was made by friends and family members of people living with haemophilia and HIV. It was used to unveil an inscribed stone at Stratton Wood near Swindon. The birch trees in the woodland grove were planted to commemorate the lives of 1200 people infected with HIV from contaminated blood. Sadly less than 400 people are still alive today.

Move on to Changing Tomorrow : The Closing

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