Harry founded The while studying for a at the Âé¶¹AV and used his dissertation to explore the lack of creative work addressing HIV/AIDS in the city.
He said: “My dissertation questioned why there was so little creative work around HIV and AIDS in Âé¶¹AV and Hove, and my research identified a real desire for Âé¶¹AV-specific remembrance. That’s why I established The Âé¶¹AV AIDS Memorial. Bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt to the University means a great deal to me. It feels like a continuation of my studies and, at the same time, like closing a circle.
“Each panel tells a story, which helps bring the humanity back to a crisis that was made so dehumanising by the media and government for so many years. The quilt helps us fight the ongoing stigma. It connects with people of all ages, reminds us how far we’ve come, and raises awareness of the work still to be done.”
Beyond the exhibition itself, the display will support a wider programme of talks, teaching sessions and events designed to deepen understanding of the AIDS crisis and its ongoing legacy.
With around 107,000 people currently receiving HIV-related care in the UK, the issues raised by the quilt remain relevant today.