It is hard to overstate the impact that HIV has had on the queer community. From the beginning of the HIV epidemic art has served a vital role as one of the few spaces that allowed for the public expression of the impact of HIV. Discover artworks that explore the intertwining of HIV with queer cultural expressions and the pain, rage, sadness, loss and humor that exist within those histories.

HIV+ activist and writer Nic Holas, joins one of the curators of QUEER, NGV Senior Curator Myles Russell-Cook in a free discussion highlighting the narrative thread of the HIV experience throughout the exhibition.  

This event is presented by the NGV in collaboration with Living Positive Victoria, a not for profit, community-based organisation representing all people living with HIV in Victoria.  

All are welcome, in particular people living with HIV.  

Bookings are required via the Living Positive Victoria website for their members and non-members. Click here to book

This event will have Auslan interpretation.

Speakers 

Nic Holas 

Nic Holas is a writer, activist and co-founder of The Institute of Many (TIM), Australia’s largest grassroots movement for people living with HIV. His essays and stories have been published in literary anthologies The Best of The Lifted Brow: Volume Two, Growing Up Queer in Australia and Queerstories. His writing on HIV, human rights, queer politics and popular culture has appeared in The Saturday Paper, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, the ABC, Archer Magazine, Hello Mr., and Junkee, as well as the local and international queer media.

Myles Russell-Cook 

Myles Russell-Cook is Senior Curator of Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Victoria. Myles has undertaken research and held curatorial fellowships throughout Australia and internationally, with a focus on developing exhibitions and programming that give agency to culturally diverse artists within a contemporary art context.