Panel

Is the arena of fine art still relevant in the struggle to encourage prevention and find a cure for HIV infection? This question raises the larger and older question: What is the role of art in creating social consciousness? Is popular culture a more fertile ground for disseminating progressive messages than traditional arts institutions, such as those that have participated in the “Day Without Art?” Is there a possibility for a progressive public art, or must public art works be bland to be acceptable? Who would be the audience for a progressive public art?

Moderator
Robert Atkins

Participants
Richard Elovich, formerly of Gran Fury and GMHC
Sarah Schulman, author and AIDS chronicler
Jocelyn Taylor, video artist

Collaborating institutions include Artery, the AIDS-Arts Forum of the Estate Project, and NYU’s Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality