Bobby Goldsmith Foundation (BGF) and the National Art School (NAS) will co-present Art Phoenix – a one-night-only exhibition showcasing artworks created during four weeks of artmaking workshops programmed by the National Art School and led by NAS artist educators. The program celebrates the creativity, resilience and lived experiences of people living with HIV across diverse backgrounds and identities.
Developed through BGF’s long-running Art Phoenix program and realised through NAS’ intensive studio-based teaching, the exhibition brings together emerging and first-time artists whose works explore identity, stigma, survival, joy and community connection.
For many participants who lived through the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s – a time of profound trauma, discrimination and loss – art has been a lifeline, a way to process difficult emotions, reclaim identity and rebuild hope.
“Art Phoenix is a reminder of how art can transform, uplift and heal,” said Dr. Kristen Sharp, Director and CEO of the National Art School.
“Our partnership with BGF gives people living with HIV a creative home at NAS – a place where their stories, histories and emotions can be explored through colour, texture and form. The artworks created through this program are powerful, deeply personal and incredibly moving. We are honoured to stand alongside BGF in presenting them to the public at Mardi Gras.”
“For many of our long-term survivors, art is what kept them going,” said Ruan Uys, BGF Programs Manager.
“During the height of the HIV epidemic, creative expression became a lifeline, a way to cope, to make sense of a diagnosis and to stay connected when the world turned away. Art Phoenix continues that legacy, bringing people together to heal and create.”
Mike Searle, Acting CEO of BGF said, “Art Phoenix shows the power of creativity to build confidence. To share these stories during Mardi Gras, when our community’s history, resilience and activism are front and centre, is incredibly meaningful.”
Alongside elders who lived through the crisis are younger people newly navigating HIV today. Side-by-side, their works create an intergenerational story that captures the true spirit of Mardi Gras as both celebration and protest.
Art Phoenix is a one-night-only exhibition – the culmination of four weeks of studio workshops programmed by the artist educators of the National Art School, taking place Thursday 26 February, 6pm – 8pm at the Cell Block Theatre, National Art School, 156 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst.
Learn more about Art Phoenix here.
Secure your tickets to the exhibition here.
download the press release
