WORLD AIDS DAY

About World AIDS Day

For the fifth year, the Memorial will be joined by Housing Works, a New York City-based non-profit fighting the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness, for a reading of the names of New Yorkers lost to the AIDS epidemic. Sign up here to participate in reading the names of those we've lost to HIV and AIDS. Readings will occur in 20-minute time slots between 12:00 PM and 6:20 PM.

Also beginning at 12:00 PM, community leaders, organizations, and activists will hold an opening press conference at Father Duffy Square to kick off the day's events and mark the 10th anniversary of the Memorial's dedication.

From 6:00 to 7:00 PM, the New York City AIDS Memorial will host an evening of live musical and artistic performances. Directed by Tony, Olivier, Emmy, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winning director and producer Rob Ashford, this live performance will feature a variety of artists alongside a moving choir performance. This closing moment brings together New Yorkers in reflection, remembrance, and celebration of the enduring spirit of those impacted by the epidemic. (Note: Additional performers, speakers, and special guests will be announced throughout November as they are confirmed).

To close out World AIDS Day and commemorate the Memorial’s 10th anniversary, artist Jenny Holzer presents a new public artwork featuring text from I Remember by artist and poet Joe Brainard (1942–1994). Building on Holzer’s long history of using light and language to illuminate civic issues—and her ongoing partnership with the Memorial—the installation weaves Brainard's reflections on memory and loss across the digital landscape of New York City. Presented by Times Square Arts, Midnight Moment is the world’s largest and longest-running digital public art program. Every night from 11:57 PM to 12:00 AM, over 90 synchronized digital displays across Times Square pause commercial broadcasts to present monumental visual art to millions of viewers.

All events are free & public; no RSVP needed. Additional details will be posted throughout the fall.