HIV Science as Art Brisbane
CLIENT
NAPWHA, ViiV & the IAS
2023
The HIV Science as Art exhibition was a landmark initiative that united world-class scientific advancements with the creative vision of 12 extraordinary artists living with HIV. Situated at the intersection of clinical science and contemporary art, the exhibition exemplified the power of partnership and innovation—the very hallmarks of the global response to HIV.
A Global Collaborative Framework
The project paired artists from around the world with leading scientists to co-create original works inspired by cutting-edge research. This collaboration culminated in an exhibition held during the International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2023) in Brisbane.
Over 3,000 visitors engaged with the exhibition over 12 days, with over 300 guests attending the opening gala.
Through a successful auction of the artworks, the project funded 17 micro-grants for HIV networks across the Asia-Pacific region.
The event was widely described as the ‘talk of the conference,’ providing a groundbreaking new pathway for people to engage with science through creative expression.
My Role: Co-Artistic Curator & Art Director
As Co-Artistic Curator, I collaborated closely with my partner to select the 12 featured artists from a competitive pool of over 90 international applications.
Mentorship: We facilitated monthly artist sessions to provide creative guidance and support throughout the production process.
Project Management: We managed the logistical delivery of all works and played a hands-on role in the exhibition’s physical installation.
Simultaneously, as the Art Director and Designer for the project, I was responsible for the entire visual ecosystem. My work ensured a cohesive brand voice.
Exhibition Collateral: From high-quality catalogues and postcards to environmental signage.
Digital Engagement: Managing social media communications and the technical oversight of the silent auction platform.
This first-of-its-kind event was a resounding success, proving that when we bridge the gap between the lab and the studio, we create a powerful new language for advocacy and education.
Further information: Curators interview
Exhibition photography: Louis Lim Photography
Opening night photography: Darcy Starr Photography
HIV Science as Art Munich
CLIENT
Münchner Aids-hilfe, ViiV & the IAS
2024
Building on the significant success of the Brisbane debut, the HIV Science as Art project was commissioned for a second edition at the International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2024) in Munich, Germany.
As Co-Artistic Curator and Art Director, we navigated the unique challenges of delivering a large-scale international exhibition in a new territory. To ensure local relevance and logistical success, we established a strategic partnership with Münchner Aids-Hilfe, a local agency with expertise in art-based community projects.
Strategic Leadership and Project Management
Having developed the successful ‘project blueprint’ in Brisbane, our role evolved into a more intensive project management capacity. This included:
Site Planning: Leading a site visit to Munich six months prior to the conference to scout venues and build rapport with local stakeholders.
Stakeholder Liaison: Working in close alignment with ViiV Healthcare and the International AIDS Society (IAS) to synchronize the exhibition with the global conference agenda.
Artist Empowerment: Scholarships were provided for all 12 artists to attend the conference—a milestone first for every participant—enabling them to engage directly with the global scientific community.
An Immersive Experience
We curated and assisted in a rigorous schedule of events, including:
7 Artist-Led Tours: Providing deep-dive insights into the intersection of science and art.
9 Meet the Artist Sessions: Hosted at the Global Village Booth to foster community connection.
Academic Contribution: Leading two conference talks and a live performance that challenged traditional modes of scientific presentation.
Our logistical oversight extended to the exhibition installation and the international shipping of sold works and prints to collectors worldwide. Most importantly, the project’s fundraising efforts significantly expanded its reach, successfully delivering 28 micro-grants to HIV networks across Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia.
This second iteration solidified HIV Science as Art as a world-class model for creative advocacy, proving its scalability and its power to fund vital community work on a global scale.
