About Us
Our Vision
To commemorate those who lost their lives in the HIV/AIDS epidemic, to give comfort to those who grieve their loss and highlight the impact of HIV/AIDS on the lives of the communities most affected.
Our current primary activity is the creation of the AIDS memorial in London.
Our Mission
To create The AIDS Memorial in London, linking the constellation of local memorials across the UK. We do this through:
Inclusion
The AIDS Memorial will have meaning and resonate with all those affected by HIV, then, now and in the future
Art
We remember through art as it gives space for each individual to complete their own memories, individually and collectively beautiful
Remembrance
We believe that remembering truths is important for us as individuals and for society
Common humanity
The AIDS Memorial offers fundraising and awareness-raising opportunities for HIV and AIDS causes
Campaigning
We fight on towards ending AIDS by reaching zero new infections. We remain alert to the ongoing stigma of HIV and AIDS and the people and communities now affected
Solidarity
We remember as those affected, in solidarity not sympathy
Our Story
In 2016, playwright, film maker & HIV campaigner Ash Kotak began the work to create a lasting memorial to those lost to HIV-related illness, one that would act as a reminder that the fight to end AIDS, and the stigma of HIV and AIDS continues.
The sculpture will be located just off Tottenham Court Road in Fitzrovia, close to the former Middlesex Hospital. This is where the UK’s first AIDS unit was opened by Princess Diana in April 1987. In front of the world’s media, she shook the hand of a man with AIDS. At a time when people were afraid to touch, she wore no gloves and told the world that HIV/AIDS was not passed from person to person by touch, but that kindness and humanity are.
In the 1980s and 90s, HIV and AIDS disproportionally affected four marginalised groups in the UK: gay / bisexual men; African communities; people with haemophilia and people who inject drugs.
Our consultation
Since 2016 AIDS Memory UK (AMUK) have engaged with and presented our goals to a wide range of affected community groups. AMUK enjoys active public support from leading figures in the arts, politics, business, finance, charitable and voluntary sectors.
As represented in our four-ripple logo, we’ve focused much of our engagement with the LGBTQ community, the Bleeding Disorder Community, Black African communities and injecting drug users. Creating working groups which we now refer to as our Affected Communities Advisory Board (ACAB). As well as many individuals affected by and infected with HIV, since 2016, AMUK has also regularly consulted with the CEOs of the major HIV charities. Our Founder, Ash Kotak, has represented the vision for an AIDS memorial in London through multiple public speaking events across the UK, including special curated events from panel discussions to cabaret.
On World AIDS Day 2018 AMUK re-established London’s AIDS Vigil, a free space for those affected by HIV to share personal memories, as well as to describe what they want and need from the AIDS Memorial in London. Throughout this journey, we have made inclusive and open dialogue fundamental to the process of creating a fitting AIDS memorial in London.
Survivors Voices
Hear the stories from the people that the AIDS pandemic affected the most
