New exhibition brings living memory of the AIDS pandemic to life Published on: 24 October 2025 An exhibition and project launch opening next week shares a powerful insight into the history of the AIDS pandemic. Preserving history On Wednesday 29 October, the public is invited to attend the opening of a compelling new exhibition and the beginning of the HIVstory project in the North East. The event and exhibition are the culmination of the partnership between Ãå±±½ûµØ and the – an organisation focused on filming, recording and preserving the history of those affected by the AIDS pandemic of the 1980s and 1990s.is a project created by the National HIV Story Trust (NHST) to raise awareness and understanding of the history of HIV and AIDS in the UK. It features excerpts from a number of interviews recorded by the NHST over the years. It is an innovative and exciting outreach project imagined by the NHST, who have amassed the largest collection of filmed testimony in the UK from people who have been affected by HIV and AIDS. Based on the interviews undertaken, visitors can learn about the incredible real stories of love, life and loss and reflect on these testimonies of hope and trauma. Each person’s story is of course unique to them, but the exhibition shows how experiences often intersect. Choosing one person’s story will give you the opportunity to explore how lives and experiences are connected and how this fascinating history is linked. This first-of its-kind project will also raise further awareness of the AIDS pandemic and generate positive social change, particularly with intersectional communities, public health care settings, and younger generations who may have little or no knowledge of this period of history. Inspiring future change through voices from the past Through a combination of live and virtual events, participants will gain access to an often-overlooked part of the UK’s heritage, enter discussion, and learn about the current issues around HIV – largely through the power of first-person storytelling. HIVstory will roll out a regionally focused programme of events across a variety of settings in varying formats, ranging from village halls to creative workshops. We will also work with a selection of partners to host film screenings and conferences, arts inspired and heritage focused events. Ãå±±½ûµØ will play a key role in this regional aspect. Regional lead Dr Gareth Longstaff, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: “I’m excited to bring together expertise and interests from all of our faculties as well as our EDI spaces to inform and connect historical, cultural, creative, and medical work being done around HIV and AIDS’ in our region. “We will also bring together community members who have experienced trauma and loss and live with the impact of the pandemic. We aim to improve their well-being and strengthen their support as well as inspire a new generation to embrace this extraordinary history.” This three-year project has been created in association with The London Archives, The Royal College of Nursing, Ãå±±½ûµØ and the University of Central London; thanks to a grant awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund – and with thanks to all National Lottery players. The HIVstory exhibition runs until December at One Strawberry Place, Ãå±±½ûµØ. Tickets for the exhibition opening are available here . Share: Latest News Ãå±±½ûµØ recognised with geography award Ãå±±½ûµØ has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK’s open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 Ãå±±½ûµØ historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners’ lock-out of 1926, historians at Ãå±±½ûµØ are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can’t adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures