The Victoria Arts Council, in association with AVI Health & Community Services, is pleased to announce its presentation of STILL WITH US: A Legacy of HIV/AIDS in the Arts. This cross-disciplinary project is anchored by an exhibition in downtown Victoria running from 24 October through 1 December 2025. Featuring archival materials, films, and visual art, the exhibit tells a multi-faceted story of loss, advocacy, and hope emanating from the first waves of the AIDS epidemic (1980s through 1990s) and Victoria’s remarkable response.
This fall, AVI Health & Community Services (formerly AIDS Vancouver Island) is marking 40 years since its foundation by five people who recognized the need to meet the challenge of the AIDS epidemic sweeping through our community. The AVI archive of advocacy and educational materials will be on display alongside original works of contemporary art by the likes of Victoria-born artist Joe Average (1957-2024), among others.
There will be a number of events, including a Panel Discussion on Dancers for Life on Saturday November 8th at 3PM. This panel will feature the original organizers of Victoria’s Dancers For Life Galas, discussing what motivated them to produce the events, highlights and memories from the events themselves and their lasting impact. Panelists include PAN’s Stacy Leblanc, Kim Breiland, Doug Durand, Anna Russo Kennedy, and Katrina Jensen. This event is free.