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 recent 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 foster inclusivity. 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 my 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 partnership with the Cardiff & Vale Health Charity aims to educate the general public on sexual health, whilst deconstructing stigma around HIV. The panelists carefully chosen, aim to discuss past, present and future, and understand the symbiotic like relationship between the three institutions working towards the same goal.

Outreach

Community engagement is at the core of our 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

    Lead Artist, Producer, Curator, Violin | Musician

  • Ruan Martins

    Co-Producer, Editor, Co-Curator

  • Niamh J O'Donnell

    Lead Composer & Music Producer

  • Darren Varnam

    Lead Visual Artist

  • Alan Thomas-Williams

    Lead Curriculum Achievement Officer - Expressive Arts | Outreach Lead

  • Melanie Cotton

    Arts in Health Project Manager | Panel manager

  • Rhys Goode

    Head of Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru | Panelist

  • Stephen Thomas

    Head of Sexual Health Policy in Wales | Panelist

  • Darren Cousins

    Sexual Health Consultant | Panelist

  • Adam Williams

    Multi-award winning Queer Researcher | Moderator

  • Diogo Fernandes

    Saxophone | Musician

  • Alex Jenkins

    Piano | Musician

  • Dan Abrams

    Radio Producer & DJ | Advertisement

  • Africa Olle

    On Your Face Founder & Director | Management Support & Mentorship

  • Cerian Wilshere

    On Your Face Director | Management Support & Mentorship

Partnerships

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