Background
In the twenty-eight years since its description, HIV/AIDS has been inextricably woven into the fiber of societies around the world. From San Francisco to Swaziland, millions have been touched by the epidemic as sources of affliction, outrage, compassion, political will, scientific inquiry and medical practice. Regardless of vantage point, this virus has demonstrated an indisputable ability to devastate, polarize and galvanize millions.
The enormous body of scientific, political, socio-cultural and media work surrounding HIV/AIDS offers a powerful opportunity to inspire and educate people of all ages and backgrounds. This work warrants a globally prominent museum and learning center to provide advocates, artists, patients and their caregivers, scientists and the general public with an exceptionally-designed space to showcase and study diverse content.
Proposal
A team of senior leaders at the University of California San Francisco’s Positive Health Program (PHP), based at San Francisco General Hospital, proposes an 12-month start-up project to develop and recommend options for the operational planning and financing required to debut the world’s first standing HIV/AIDS Living Museum and Learning Center of Arts and Sciences to be based in San Francisco, California. As an epicenter of early HIV incidence, novel medical and public health responses, open civic debates, patient and community advocacy, and leading-edge research, San Francisco holds a unique and prominent place in global HIV/AIDS leadership, historically and currently. It is the ideal location to establish this new center. PHP from its inception in 1983 was and remains a core clinical program and strategic partner of the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH). Leaders at PHP and the SFDPH dynamically consult and coordinate all of their administrative and clinical efforts. Similarly, the development of this center will be a joint endeavor during all phases: from planning, to execution, to ongoing administration of the center when it is completed.
Vision
We envision a world-class, iconic design facility to house engaging and educational content. It will be anchored by a permanent collection and enhanced by rotating feature presentations of work by scientists, artists and others. Content will come from four categories:
Science
Displays of past, current and proposed medical and social scientific work in HIV/AIDS, both conventional and unconventional. Thought-provoking presentations of hypotheses and conclusions from basic science and clinical trials will be conveyed using dynamic, interactive, lay-friendly installations. A subset of this scientific content will remain in permanent collection and will highlight specific contributions from the history of San Francisco-based work.Politics, Public Policy and Advocacy
Presentations of historical and current initiatives and debates regarding HIV/AIDS issues of political activism, public (health and civic) policies and advocacy for patients’ rights on local, regional, national and international levels.Fine Art and Cultures
Presentations will be mounted portraying diverse voices, experiences, opinions and concerns of people affected by HIV/AIDS. Installations will include works in varied media featuring human narratives and testimonies in multiple languages.-
News and Media
Mixed media representations of seminal global reporting and editorial coverage of HIV/AIDS including a select sub-set of historical content in permanent collection that highlights specific San Francisco-based media.
Partnerships
This entire project will be based on close collaboration with San Francisco-based leaders of the SFGH Foundation, the SFDPH, the public school district, city government, museum experts and selected non-profits. These partnerships will assist in vetting proposed content and vendors, cultivating donors and sponsors, seeking legal, licensing and costing expertise, and collaborating on public relations and marketing campaigns. Several prominent advisors have already volunteered to serve.
Next Steps and Requirements to Initiate
Our goal is to begin this planning and research project in 2010. We have secured project approval from the University and the Hospital. We currently seek a $150,000 investment to underwrite this project. (Budget details available on request.)
Deliverables
At the conclusion of this start-up project, we will present to key stakeholders and prospective partners and sponsors, a detailed report of final recommendations and requirements including location, working capital, professional services, zoning and permits, drawings and renderings, a complete schedule of timelines, and a full capital campaign plan.
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