Qtopia Sydney’s restaged St Vincent’s Hospital’s Ward 17 South exhibition has received an extension from National Art School, one week before its scheduled closure.
The exhibition evokes the Ward 17 South of the 1980s and 1990s. It is shaped by the lived experience of those who remember the first days and years of the AIDS crisis, and how the community mobilised in the life and death circumstances of HIV.
This solemn space gives voice to long-term survivors, doctors and nurses, advocates and activists. It includes interviews, and images of day-to-day life and special occasions on the Ward, alongside objects from the St Vincent’s Hospital Collection.
NAS Director and CEO Steven Alderton said, “National Art School has been deeply moved by the response to the space and we are thrilled to provide an extension to this exhibition.
“We hope that more people will have the opportunity to experience the reverence and solemnity of this space, that is also reflective of the history of our own remarkable campus.
“Our partnership with Qtopia Sydney reflects our ongoing commitment to our LGBTQIA+ community and we are incredibly proud to assist them to shine a light on this critical part of Queer history,” Mr Alderton said.
CEO of Qtopia Sydney Greg Fisher was particularly passionate about the extension afforded to Qtopia Sydney by the National Art School. The exhibition had been due to close on March 3.
“This space serves as a reminder of the journey and obstacles the Queer community has both faced and overcome in recent decades, so to have the support from Steven and his Board to allow us to extend this exhibition is truly incredible,”
“I extend a warm invitation to people to visit Building 11 at National Art School and encourage you to share your own stories, experiences and memories before the exhibition closes on March 18,” Greg concluded.
The Bandstand in Green Park and Building 11 in National Art School exhibitions are open daily from 11am to 7pm.