This is a multidisciplinary project that intertwines music, visual art, and community involvement funded by Ty Cerdd and the Arts Council Wales. It forges links among diverse viewpoints and artistic expressions. Emphasising on HIV, the art exhibit blends past and present, delving into history and stigma via portraits. Guided discussions by expert panels centre on this theme. Specially commissioned music echoes the significance of tragedy within the Queer community.

The approval of a comprehensive HIV combat plan by the Welsh Government reinforces the project's relevance, fuelling my commitment to community engagement through art. This initiative seeks to educate the public on sexual health and deepen understanding of Queer identity, making music and art more accessible. It's a platform for innovative LGBTQ+ works, inspiring social change through artistic expression.

I aim to challenge societal norms, raise awareness of important issues such as HIV and Queer topics, and inspire future generations to engage in socially conscious projects. By creating thought-provoking performances and exhibitions, my project's legacy lies in its ability to educate and empower the general public, promote dialogue and understanding, and contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.

Music

The music showcased in this project offers a poignant reflection on tragedy's significance within the Queer community, employing letters from deceased individuals as its central motif. It delves into questions such as the meaning of tragedy for the Queer community, the prevailing public sentiment, and the contemporary extent of the issues faced.

The project involves a total of three instrumentalists, with two other musicians performing an original commissioned work under Gonçalo’s leadership. The music commission has been funded by Ty Cerdd - Music Centre Wales.

Visual Art

The artist will use historical photographs and Queer literature as inspiration and visual aid. The experience will be set into 5 sections creating a journey through the gallery space and through the history of HIV. This will encompass the beginning of the Crisis, its stigma, and how it has shifted through media and press. This will be a personal story of the artist and his relationships. 

To augment the immersive experience of the project there will be integrated manipulated, pre-recorded music through additional speakers within the art installation space.

Panel of speakers

The Red Ribbon Project proudly brings together a diverse panel of voices to educate, inspire, and challenge misconceptions about HIV. The partnership with the NHS and Fast Track Cymru aims to raise awareness of sexual health while deconstructing the stigma surrounding HIV.

The carefully selected panelists will explore the past, present, and future of HIV, highlighting the collaboration between institutions and the public in working toward the shared goal of zero new transmissions by 2030.

Adding a vital layer to this discussion are two individuals living with HIV—one gay man and one straight woman—who will share their lived experiences. Their stories offer invaluable insight and emphasise the importance of representation, dismantling the myth that HIV only affects LGBT+ communities. By amplifying their voices, I aim to foster empathy, understanding, and progress.

Outreach

Community engagement is at the core of my mission, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership. The project goes beyond traditional methods as it intertwines music, visual art, and community involvement, providing a compelling educational experience.

By encouraging diverse viewpoints and participation in discussions, the project promotes understanding and acceptance, positively impacting the overall well-being of young individuals and inspiring a more inclusive society. This is only possible due to the strong partnership with the Expressive Arts Cardiff (Welsh Government).

Meet the Team

  • Gonçalo Fernandes

    Director, Producer, Curator, Musician

  • Ruan Martins

    Co-Producer, Audiovisual Director, Editor, Co-Curator

  • Niamh J O'Donnell

    Lead Composer & Music Producer

  • Darren Varnam

    Lead Visual Artist

  • Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama

    Tim Rhys-Evans (Director of Music) | Studio Recordings & Student Engagement

  • Future Arts Collective Cymru

    Kate Woodward | Exhibition Venue and Workshop Facilitator

  • Alan Thomas-Williams

    Lead Curriculum Achievement Officer - Expressive Arts | Outreach Lead

  • Sarah Maslen-Roberts

    Fast Track Cymru Manager | Panelist & Outreach

  • Darren Cousins

    Sexual Health Consultant | Panelist

  • Adam Williams

    Multi-award winning Queer Researcher | Moderator

  • Africa Olle

    On Your Face Founder & Director | Management Support & Mentorship

  • Alex Jenkins

    Piano | Musician

  • Diogo Fernandes

    Saxophone | Musician

  • Rute Luz

    Digital Marketing

  • Patricia Santos

    Logo Designer

Partnerships

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