Day Without Art

Day Without Art is observed each year on December 1, the same day as World AIDS Day. The day was created to draw attention to the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on the artistic community and to honor artists and others lost to AIDS.

History of Day Without Art

The first Day Without Art took place on December 1, 1989, initiated by the organization Visual AIDS to respond to the deep losses the arts world was suffering during the AIDS epidemic. Over 800 art and AIDS-related groups participated in that first observance by closing museums, covering artworks or replacing exhibits with information about HIV/AIDS.
In 1998 the initiative was renamed Day Without Art, the parentheses emphasise that, in addition to mourning losses, the day also encourages positive action, solidarity and new art addressing HIV/AIDS. ¹

Why Day Without Art is important

Day Without Art Art ensures that the human and cultural toll of AIDS is not forgotten. By temporarily removing or transforming art, the day symbolizes the absence and loss, underlining that art, creativity and life itself have been deeply affected by the disease.
At the same time, the day encourages awareness, empathy and activism. It supports artists living with HIV, amplifies their voices, and promotes public dialogue about HIV/AIDS, prevention, care and social solidarity.

• It mourns artists and individuals lost to AIDS.
• It reveals the cultural losses caused by the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
• It raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, prevention and support.
• It encourages solidarity with people living with HIV.
• It promotes art and activism as tools for change and remembrance.

How to Observe Day Without Art

Observe Day Without Art by engaging with events hosted by galleries, museums, art centers, or community organizations that participate. Many institutions offer exhibitions, screenings, talks, or symbolic actions reflecting on HIV/AIDS, art and memory.
At a personal level, one can use the day to learn about the history of AIDS, support artists living with HIV, share educational information with others, or reflect on the importance of creativity, human dignity and solidarity.

• Visit or support exhibitions or events dedicated to Day Without Art
• Watch or share art created by artists living with HIV or addressing AIDS
• Learn and share reliable information about HIV/AIDS and its impact
• Offer support or solidarity to people living with HIV
• Reflect on loss and hope, and remember those who died

Day Without Art Art Dates Table

1. https://visualaids.org/projects/day-without-art[↩]