The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display at Robin Williams Meadow and the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park June 11-12. It’s the largest display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in over a decade and is timed to mark the 35th anniversary of the decision by then-Mayor Diane Feinstein to hang the quilt from the mayor’s balcony at city hall.
“This year’s historic community display will be a beautiful celebration of life and a recognition of the power of the Quilt today as a teaching tool for health and social justice,” John Cunningham, CEO of the National AIDS Memorial, said in a press release announcing the display. “The Quilt is an important reminder that the HIV/AIDS crisis is still not over and there is much work to be done, particularly in communities of color, where HIV is on the rise in many parts of the country.”
The AIDS Memorial Quilt on display in San Francisco in 2022
Over 3,000 of the 3’x6’ panels will be on display, including many new and original hand-sewn panels. The entire AIDS Memorial Quilt contains over 50,000 panels honoring more than 110,000 individuals who lost their lives to AIDS. A long-time supporter of the Quilt, Gilead Sciences is the presenting partner for the display. Gilead Sciences provided the $2.4 million grant that made it possible to bring the quilt back home to San Francisco in 2019, and they continue to provide key support.
The Quilt on display from San Francisco’s city hall in 1987
“The Quilt remains an important symbol of hope, activism and remembrance that reaches millions of people each year, opening hearts and minds,” Alex Kalomparis, senior vice president, Gilead Sciences, said in a press release. “Through community displays such as this, the Quilt is connecting the story of HIV/AIDS to the issues faced by many people today, touching their lives in a very personal, compelling way.”
“Golden Gate Park has long been a place where history is made and where people come together for change, to heal and express themselves,” said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. “The National AIDS Memorial is an important part of that history and we are honored to be part of this important event that will bring thousands of people to our beloved park to honor this national treasure.”
Quilt co-founder Mike Smith discusses the upcoming display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt in the video below.
The event is free and open to the public. You can learn more about the AIDS Memorial Quilt here.
