Preserving history

On Wednesday 29 October, the public is invited to attend the opening of a compelling new exhibition and the beginning of the HIVstory project in the North East.

The event and exhibition are the culmination of the partnership between Newcastle University and the National HIV Story Trust (NHST) – an organisation focused on filming, recording and preserving the history of those affected by the AIDS pandemic of the 1980s and 1990s.

HIVstory is a project created by the National HIV Story Trust (NHST) to raise awareness and understanding of the history of HIV and AIDS in the UK. It features excerpts from a number of interviews recorded by the NHST over the years. 

It is an innovative and exciting outreach project imagined by the NHST, who have amassed the largest collection of filmed testimony in the UK from people who have been affected by HIV and AIDS. Based on the interviews undertaken, visitors can learn about the incredible real stories of love, life and loss and reflect on these testimonies of hope and trauma. 

Each person’s story is of course unique to them, but the exhibition shows how experiences often intersect. Choosing one person’s story will give you the opportunity to explore how lives and experiences are connected and how this fascinating history is linked. This first-of its-kind project will also raise further awareness of the AIDS pandemic and generate positive social change, particularly with intersectional communities, public health care settings, and younger generations who may have little or no knowledge of this period of history. 

Inspiring future change through voices from the past

Through a combination of live and virtual events, participants will gain access to an often-overlooked part of the UK’s heritage, enter discussion, and learn about the current issues around HIV – largely through the power of first-person storytelling. HIVstory will roll out a regionally focused programme of events across a variety of settings in varying formats, ranging from village halls to creative workshops. We will also work with a selection of partners to host film screenings and conferences, arts inspired and heritage focused events.

Newcastle University will play a key role in this regional aspect.  Regional lead Dr Gareth Longstaff,  Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “I’m excited to bring together expertise and interests from all of our faculties as well as our EDI spaces to inform and connect historical, cultural, creative, and medical work being done around HIV and AIDS’ in our region. 

“We will also bring together community members who have experienced trauma and loss and live with the impact of the pandemic. We aim to improve their well-being and strengthen their support as well as inspire a new generation to embrace this extraordinary history.” 

This three-year project has been created in association with The London Archives, The Royal College of Nursing, Newcastle University and the University of Central London; thanks to a grant awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund – and with thanks to all National Lottery players.

The HIVstory exhibition runs until December at One Strawberry Place, Newcastle. Tickets for the exhibition opening are available here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hivstory-exhibition-opening-newcastle-tickets-1796454306189.