Cultural Programme

The AIDS 2008 Cultural Activities Programme (CAP) will provide opportunities for educators, professional and amateur performers and community members from across the globe to share their methods and tools for communication, education and action for change. The programme will include visual arts, literature, film and video, performance art and other innovative mediums of expression. Activities will take place at the conference convention centre (Centro Banamex) and a more extensive programme of affiliated events is planned for offsite venues around Mexico City to link the community with the conference. In addition the 2008 programme will aim to involve a global community of arts activists working on HIV issues through internet technology and interactive media.

Cultural Programme Objectives:

1. To incorporate the overall conference theme: Universal Action Now.
2. To highlight the role that artists and cultural activists have played in social change related to the HIV epidemic.
3. To emphasize the human, social and cultural aspects of the international responses to HIV/AIDS in all regions of the world, with a special emphasis on Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean.
4. To showcase new technologies and social/cultural movements in the response to HIV.
5. To raise local public awareness about HIV/AIDS and engage local communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
6. To rejuvenate those working in the front-lines of the HIV/AIDS movement and to inspire those not working directly in the HIV/AIDS field.
7. To foster new networks, dialogue and information exchange.
8. To ensure accessibility, balance, transparency, integration and diversity in its activities, processes and participation.
9. To bridge the gap between scientific, and cultural and activist communities. 

Cultural Activities

Activities will include live performance (music, dance, theatre, performance art, and readings), photo or art exhibits, and screenings (documentaries, short films or videos).