Wakefield to Host Historic Exhibition of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt from June 4-7

Wakefield is about to make history by becoming the first city outside of London to showcase the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt in its entirety. This significant event will take place from 4-7 June at the Wakefield Exchange (WX), in partnership with the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Partnership. The Quilt commemorates the lives of nearly 400 individuals who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS, making it a deeply moving tribute to those affected by the virus.

What is the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt?

The UK AIDS Memorial Quilt is a remarkable piece of community art that consists of 43 quilts and 24 individual panels, representing over 500 people. Each panel has been carefully created by family members, friends, or partners of those who have died from HIV and AIDS. The Quilt serves not only as a memorial but also as a reminder of the ongoing impact of these diseases on individuals and communities today.

The idea for the Quilt originated in the USA in 1985, spearheaded by activist Cleve Jones. It was designed to honour friends and loved ones lost to AIDS, with individual panels stitched together to create larger quilts. Initially displayed outdoors as a protest to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS, the Quilt has evolved into an important symbol of remembrance and activism.

Exhibition Details

The exhibition at Wakefield Exchange will feature all 43 blocks of the Quilt, allowing visitors to reflect on the stories behind each panel. In addition to the main display, selected individual panels will be showcased at various partner venues around the district, including:

• The Hepworth Wakefield

• Theatre Royal Wakefield

• The Art House

• LonGBoat CIC’s Kirkgate Station Community Gallery

• Anglers Country Park

• Pontefract Castle

• Yorkshire Sculpture Park

• Castleford Queens Mill

• The Maurice Dobson Museum in Darfield, Barnsley

Each venue will have different opening hours, so it is advisable to check ahead before visiting.

Special Events and Activities

During the exhibition, several special events will take place to engage the community and encourage reflection. One of the highlights will be a public reading of the names commemorated on the Quilt, scheduled for Saturday, 6 June, at 2:30 pm. This poignant moment will be accompanied by a poem from local poet Andrew McMillan.

Visitors can also look forward to watching the recently rediscovered documentary film There Is A Light That Never Goes Out, which chronicles the 1994 display of the Quilt in Hyde Park. This film will be screened daily at Wakefield Exchange, providing additional context and history to the exhibition.

The weekend will also feature a variety of free, hands-on creative workshops. WOVEN will be hosting craft activities at WX’s The Factory on both Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, on Sunday, The Art House will offer free drop-in printmaking sessions where participants can create their own posters with messages of solidarity, hope, and love.

Community Impact

Mark Lynam, Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director for Regeneration, Environment and Economic Growth, expressed the significance of hosting the Quilt in Wakefield. He stated, “We’re pleased to bring the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt to Wakefield. Commemorating the lives of nearly 400 people, each panel has been lovingly created by the family, friends, or partners of someone who has lost their life. It really is a deeply moving piece, with such important stories to tell, and we’re proud to host this in Wakefield Exchange.”

The presence of the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt in Wakefield will offer a rare opportunity for individuals and families to remember those they have lost, while also honouring the activism that brought the Quilt into existence. It aims to unite communities through art and shared experiences, allowing everyone to reflect on the past and the ongoing journey in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

As the exhibition approaches, many in the community are encouraged to participate in these events and activities, not only to pay tribute to those affected by AIDS but also to foster understanding and solidarity among residents of Wakefield and beyond. More information about the exhibition can be found at the Wakefield Exchange website.