- Name and Description
The project I have chosen to focus on is the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Cleve Jones is the activist who formed this group in 1985. The project is among the most significant community art pieces worldwide, resulting in it being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. The Quilt has almost 50,000 panels which are each dedicated to the memory of individuals who died as a result of the virus. These panels are unique since they are all handmade by individuals fighting so that those infected with AIDS do not face stigmatization. In the past, these victims were marginalized, and they did not have proper burial services and funerals since little was known about the virus. The Quilt is beneficial to families and friends of those who passed because of the virus since they can connect and remember them fondly.
- Global Significance
The issue this project addresses is the stigma those who are suffering from AIDS face. When they die, some funerals and cemeteries refuse to handle their remains resulting in them not having proper burials. Furthermore, their surviving family members face social stigma because people may assume they have also contracted the virus. The Quilt is an opportunity for loved ones to remember those who passed in place of a memorial service.
- Uses of Art
The NAMES Project is dedicated to the mission of remembrance, conscience and education. It enables individuals, to grieve, heal, be inspired and to take action when it comes to AIDS. The Quilt archive has over 200,000 items concerning individuals who passed. They include photographs, tributes, letters, news clippings and artefacts that add context about those memorialized in this work of art. The project, just by existing, has had a massive impact by addressing the AIDS crisis and the movement. The Quilt and the Memorial of these individuals summons compassion which dispels discrimination and stigma. Those mourning their loved ones can transform their loss into hope. The Quilt is a storyteller, having a lasting impact on society. It has been instrumental in fighting prejudice, raising awareness and connecting people all over the world to fight AIDS. Hope is developed through education and prevention of HIV and AIDS.
- Public Engagement
The project engages the issue to the public by having thousands of volunteers who maintain its grounds. The panels in the Quilt are sown by members of the public who are trying to heal from a loss. It is an ongoing project worldwide remembering more than 105,000 lives. The quilts are unfolded in various places in the country, which has a significant impact on society. Millions of Americans who have been impacted by AIDS gather to remember, hope and heal. It is a transformative experience. Over 40,000 people worldwide have contributed over 222,000 hours to volunteer and the Memorial.
- Creative Statement
Those submitting the panels do not have to be the individual’s acquaintance, but they must feel some connection with them. For example, singer Freddie Mercury was memorialized by panels. Two of them has a white background with a black and blue guitar with his name on the back. There was an AIDS ribbon above Freddy’s name. There were pictures of him and Queen and purple silk with some names. Some panels are loud, while others are muted, others are colorful or simple. In the end, they all carry unique emotions.