Ninth Annual Napa Valley Film Festival Announces Film Line-Up

Festival to open with “Just Mercy,” close with World Premiere of “Verticals”

The ninth annual Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) has announced its film line-up, including Opening and Closing Night screenings. NVFF returns this fall with its five-day festival showcasing the year’s best new independent films, November 13-17. Organizers will showcase Napa Valley’s finest food and wine at all special events, including the Festival Gala, VIP receptions and Vintner Circle dinners, and will feature a lively series of filmmaker-chef collaborative demonstrations at the Monogram Appliances Demonstration Kitchen at the Oxbow Commons in downtown Napa. The seven screening venues located throughout the Valley include the Archer Hotel Napa, the historic Cameo Cinema, the CIA at Copia, Charles Krug Winery, Lincoln Theater, Native Sons, and the Uptown Theatre.

Napa Valley Film Festival Logo

“We are excited to release another eclectic selection of highly-curated comedies and dramas from established and emerging filmmakers,” said Napa Valley Film Festival CEO Tom Tardio. “These films consist of inspiring and compelling stories that will thoroughly engage and entertain our festival-goers. At the intersections of film, food, and wine, the festival continues to deliver tremendously unique and exclusive experiences that only a world-class destination such as Napa Valley can provide and only that NVFF can deliver.”

Sneak Preview Night, Opening Night and Closing Night

NVFF will kick off with their Sneak Preview Night on Tuesday, November 12 with a special presentation of 20th Century Fox’s Ford v Ferrari. The film is inspired by the remarkable true story of visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby and the fearless British driver Ken Miles. Directed by James Mangold, the film stars Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone and Ray McKinnon.

The festival’s official Opening Night film on Wednesday, November 13 is Warner Bros.’ Just Mercy, a powerful and thought-provoking true story following young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and stars Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson and Jamie Foxx.

Closing the festival on Sunday, November 17 is SOMMTV’s world premiere of Verticals, a series that showcases Napa Valley winemakers and the human condition through a bottle of wine. This premiere is also the launch of SOMMTV, the first food and wine dedicated streaming platform. The series is directed by Jason Wise.

Award Season Contenders

• Clemency (Neon) – Years of carrying out death row executions have taken a toll on prison warden, Bernadine Williams. The emotional wedge in her marriage grows and memories of a recently botched execution plague her daily. As she prepares to end the life of another inmate, Bernadine must confront the psychological and emotional demons her job creates, ultimately connecting her to the man she is sanctioned to execute. Directed by Chinonye Chukwu and starring Alfre Woodard, Aldis Hodge, Wendell Price, Richard Schiff and Danielle Brooks.
• Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Neon) – In 1760 France, Marianne is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Marianne arrives under the guise of companionship with the reluctant bride-to-be, observing Héloïse by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as they share Héloïse’s first moments of freedom. Héloïse’s portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and testament to their love. Directed by Céline Sciamma and starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel.
• To The Stars (Samuel Goldwyn Films) – Iris, a bespectacled and reclusive teen living in a god-fearing Oklahoma town in the 1960s, endures the booze-induced antics of her mother and daily doses of bullying from her classmates. She finds solace in Maggie, the charismatic and enigmatic new girl at school, who hones in on Iris’s untapped potential and coaxes her out of her shell. When Maggie’s mysterious past can no longer be suppressed, the small community is thrown into a state of panic, leaving Maggie to take potentially drastic measures and inciting Iris to stand up for her friend and herself. Directed by Martha Stephens and starring Kara Hayward, Liana Liberato, Malin Akerman, Tony Hale, Shea Whigham and Adelaide Clemens.
• Troop Zero (Amazon Studios) – In a tiny Georgia town in 1977, a motherless girl named Christmas Flint dreams of life beyond the confines of her trailer-park home and hopes to make contact with outer space. When Christmas learns that the winners of the annual Birdie Scout Jamboree talent contest will be included on a recording to be sent into space for posterity, she tries to join the local Scouts troop. When she is rejected by the snobbish group of girls and their uptight leader Miss Massey, Christmas rallies a group of elementary-school outliers to start their own chapter. Troop Zero is an endearing and magical tale of friendship and individuality. Directed by Bert & Bertie and starring Viola Davis, Mckenna Grace, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Epps, Charles Shotwell and Allison Janney.

Special Presentations

• Code & Response – 2018 was the worst year on record for natural disasters. Code & Response takes us into the heart of the aftermath of some of those disasters as we meet the first responders who are supported by innovative technology. Follow four coders from around the world (Japan, Puerto Rico, California, and Mexico) to learn about why they are getting involved, as well as how they are building technologies to help first responders save lives. Directed by Austin Peck.
• Elsewhere – Bruno is still mourning his wife’s passing when his in-laws evict him from the home he and wife built together. Unwilling to let his beloved home fall into disrepair, Bruno sneaks back to the house and meets the new owner of the home, Marie. Determined to be the only person to make any changes to the house he built, Bruno poses as a local handyman and Marie hires him for renovations. As the two begin work on the house, Bruno is forced to face the reality that his wife is gone, and he learns to move on from his grief. Directed by Hernán Jiménez and starring Aden Young, Parker Posey, Ken Jeong, Beau Bridges and Jacki Weaver. World Premiere
• From the Vine – Mark, a downtrodden CEO, is experiencing an ethical crisis at work. In an attempt to re-calibrate his moral compass, he travels back to his hometown in rural Italy. He finds newfound purpose by reviving his grandfather’s old vineyard, offering the small town of Acerenza a sustainable future and reconnecting with his family in the process. Combining magical realism and Italian neorealism, and set against the backdrop of Italian wine country, From the Vine is about returning to your roots and redefining your life when you’re at the bottom of the barrel. Directed by Sean Cisterna and starring Joe Pantoliano, Wendy Crewson, Marco Leonardi, Paula Brancati and Tony Cisterna.
• Gay Chorus Deep South – In response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ laws in Southern states, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South. The tour brings a message of music, love, and acceptance to communities and individuals confronting intolerance. What emerges is a less divided America, where the lines that separate us in faith, politics, and sexual identity are erased through the soaring power of music, humanity, and a little drag. Directed by David Charles Rodrigues.
• I Want My MTV – A nostalgic and thrilling ride, I Want My MTV takes its audience back to the beginning, when the idea of a television channel devoted to only videos seemed destined for failure. The chronicling of this unique journey provides a peek into how a team of young executives were tasked with growing this seed of an idea, which would quickly flourish into a beloved and often controversial cultural juggernaut. Features commentary from Sting, Billy Idol, The Eurythmics, Jerry Cantrell, Pat Benatar, and more. Directed by Patrick Waldrop and Tyler Measom, and starring Sting, Billy Idol, Pat Benatar, Dee Snider, Norman Lear, The Eurythmics , Darryl McDaniel and Jerry Cantrell.
• It All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter – It All Begins with a Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter is a celebration of one of music’s most important yet underrated forces: the songwriter. These songwriters have penned melodies and lyrics for some of the biggest stars in the music industry, yet few know their names. Pull back the curtain to reveal the process of creating a successful song and learn more about the origins of some of the world’s most iconic hits. Directed by Anthony ‘Chusy’ Haney-Jardine.
• The Land of High Mountains – The Land of High Mountains is the inspiring true story of the only pediatric hospital in Haiti. In a country where one third of the population is under fourteen years of age and foreign NGOs consistently come and go, Saint Damien Pediatric Hospital has been providing life-saving healthcare to the most vulnerable families for over thirty years. This is a powerful account of the incredible people, both Haitian and foreign who, despite encountering every conceivable obstacle, are working together to create a brighter future for their patients and for Haiti. Directed by Will Agee and starring Liferne Forestal, Phadoul Amisial, Fr. Rick Frechette, Dr. Renee Alce, Dr. Jacqueline Gautier, Fr. Enzo Del Brocco, Veline , Gaelle , Lourdy , Pierre Nadine, Sainfleur Jean Israel, Marie Yolene, Vilaire Meralin and Christiana Liberis.
• Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound – Since the invention of sound in films, sound designers have been influencing the landscape of cinema. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes of sound design throughout cinematic history. Through interviews with legendary directors and some of the industry’s most-respected sound designers, we revisit film classics that helped shape the way we listen to and experience films today. Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound reveals the hidden impact of sound in cinema and how the auditory intake of a film holds so much power over an individual’s experience of storytelling. Directed by Midge Costin.
• Martha: A Picture Story – In the 1970s, Martha Cooper was one of a handful of photographers documenting the first vivid images of graffiti appearing on New York City’s subway carriages. 20 years later, she discovers that her book Subway Art has become one of the most stolen books of all time – inspiring the spread of graffiti around the globe and making Martha an unexpected icon of the street art world. Now, at age 75, Martha must navigate her way through the vastly changed culture of the modern world. Directed by Selina Miles.
• My Beautiful Stutter – After lifetimes of bullying, isolation, and failed fluency training, witness the incredible transformation of five kids who stutter when they enter a groundbreaking program through SAY, The Stuttering Association. Over the course of a year of events and workshops, these young people of wildly different backgrounds experience SAY’s revolutionary mantra: it’s okay to stutter. Directed by Ryan Gielen and starring Taro Alexander.
• RUTH – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words – How does a person with three strikes against her rise to the highest court in the land, the U.S. Supreme Court? RUTH – Justice Ginsburg in Her Own Words tells the improbable story of how Ruth Bader Ginsburg became an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. It also reveals both the public and private sides of a resilient, resourceful woman who has survived the hostility of the profoundly male universe of government and law to become a revered Justice and icon for gender equality and women’s rights. Directed by Freida Lee Mock and starring Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Justice Goodwin Liu, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, Irin Carmon, Shana Knizhnik, Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy, M.E. Freeman, Lilly Ledbetter and Kathleen Peratis.
• The Three Drinkers Do Scotch Whisky – Packed full of humour, personality, and flavour, The Three Drinkers do Scotch Whisky is a drinks-focussed travelogue, where three friends embark on a road trip through Scotland. From Dufftown and Islay to Elgin and Jura, they journey through breath-taking landscapes, visiting iconic distilleries and touching on Scottish culture, tourism and traditional dishes you can’t even pronounce. This is whisky for a new, global audience, from twenty-one to ninety-one. Directed by David Agrawal. World Premiere

OTHER FILM HIGHLIGHTS

Core Competitions (previously announced)

Narrative Competition

• Bring Me an Avocado, Directed by Maria Mealla and starring Bernardo Peña, Sarah Burkhalter, Molly Ratermann, Candace Roberts.
• Here Awhile, Directed by Tim True and starring Anna Camp, Steven Strait, and Joe Lo Truglio. World Premiere
• Justine, Directed by Stephanie Turner and starring Glynn Turman, Darby Stanchfield, Josh Stamberg, Daisy Prescott, and Stephanie Turner.
• Lucky Grandma, Directed by Sasie Sealy and starring Tsai Chin, Corey Ha, Michael Tow, Woody Fu, Yan Xi, Wai Ching Ho, and Clem Cheung.
• The Nomads, Directed by Brandon Eric Kamin and starring Tika Sumpter and Tate Donovan.
• Run This Town, Directed by Ricky Tollman and starring Ben Platt, Mena Massoud, Nina Dobrev, Damian Lewis, Jennifer Ehle, and Scott Speedman.
• Standing Up, Falling Down, Directed by Matt Ratner and starring Billy Crystal, Ben Schwartz, Eloise Mumford, Grace Gummer, Caitlin McGee, David Castaneda, Debra Monk, and Jill Hennessy.
• Stealing School, Directed by Li Dong and starring Celine Tsai, Jonathan Keltz, Michelle Monteith, Mpho Koaho, Darrin Baker, Jonathan Malen, Matthew Edison, and Vas Saranga. World Premiere

Documentary Competition

• I Am Human, Directed by Taryn Southern and Elena Gaby.
• Latter Day Jew, Directed by Aliza Rosen.
• Motherload, Directed by Liz Canning.
• The Pollinators, Directed by Peter Nelson.
• The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion, Directed by Lisa Cortes and Farah X.
• The Story of Plastic, Directed by Deia Schlosberg.
• This Is My Home, Directed by Karl Nickoley.
• Well Groomed, Directed by Rebecca Stern.

Verge

• Come As You Are, Directed by Richard Wong.
• Greener Grass, Directed by Dawn Luebbe and Jocelyn DeBoer.
• Hosea, Directed by Ryan Daniel Dobson. World Premiere
• Last Call, Directed by Gavin Michael Booth.
• Only, Directed by Takashi Doscher.
• Speed of Life, Directed by Liz Manashil.
• Treasure Trouble, Directed by Dan Erickson.
• The Way You Look Tonight, Directed by John Cerrito.

Culinary Cinema

• Breaking Bread, Directed by Beth Elise Hawk.
• Funke, Directed by Gab Taraboulsy.
• Nose to Tail, Directed by Jesse Zigelstein.
• Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy, Directed by Elizabeth Carroll.
• Stage: The Culinary Internship, Directed by Abby Ainsworth.
• A Taste of Sky, Directed by Michael Lei.

The festival will also feature Short Film Programs with:

• 17 Narrative Shorts
• 11 Documentary Shorts

The Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) is a five-day celebration that blends the art of film, food, and wine together. Discover the best new independent films of the year, savor exquisite cuisine paired with legendary wines, and create lasting memories found only in the Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Film Festival is presented by Cinema Napa Valley, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Napa, California. Cinema Napa Valley’s mission is to celebrate the cinematic arts and enrich the community by presenting an annual world-class festival and year-round education and outreach programs. The Napa Valley Film Festival takes place November 13-17, 2019. Visit napavalleyfilmfest.org for more information on passes and festival events.

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Presenting Sponsor: Rolls-Royce

Major Sponsor: Meadowood Napa Valley

Leading Sponsors: AVMS, Charles Krug Winery, Colorzone, DoNapa, Monogram, Raymond Vineyards, Viking Cruises, Westin Verasa Napa


Supporting Sponsors: Archer Hotel Napa, Blackbird Vineyards, Blanc Creatives, Cathay Pacific, De’Longhi, Estate Events by Meadowood, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards, Peroni Italy, The Studio by Feast It Forward, Twin Dolphin Los Cabos, Whole Foods Market, Yountville Chamber of Commerce

Media Sponsors: Travel + Leisure, Variety, Wine Spectator

Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture Announces Fall Programming Schedule

Fall Programming Launches With Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch’s Book Event on Third Anniversary of National Museum of African American History and Culture

Two Book Discussions, Screening of the New Film “Harriet” and the 25th Anniversary Event of Furious Flower Poetry Center With Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez Are Featured

Lonnie G. Bunch III, the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, will host a book talk Tuesday, Sept. 24, to kick off fall programming at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Bunch will join Scott Pelley of CBS 60 Minutes to discuss his new book A Fool’s Errand: Creating the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the Age of Bush, Obama, and Trump. The Washington, D.C., leg of Bunch’s national book tour celebrates the third anniversary of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened Sept. 24, 2016. A Fool’s Errand provides an inside account on how Bunch planned and managed the challenges of choosing a construction site, commissioning a team of architects, raising more than $400 million, designing exhibitions and building a collection of nearly 40,000 objects. The Washington event is sold out; however, the discussion will be streamed live. More information about the national book tour is available on the museum’s website.

Scheduled fall programming features two book discussions, a LGBTQ speakeasy event with comedian Sampson McCormick and a screening of the new film Harriet. All programs held in the museum’s Oprah Winfrey Theater will stream live on the museum’s Ustream channel at ustream.tv. All programs are free.

September and October Programming

Lectures & Discussion: A Fool’s Errand by Lonnie Bunch

Tuesday, Sept. 24; 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Heritage Hall)

On the museum’s third anniversary, newly appointed Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch and Scott Pelley will delve deeply into Bunch’s latest book, A Fool’s Errand, which chronicles the strategies, support systems and coalitions he put in place to build the Smithsonian’s 19^th museum, one that would attract more than 4 million visitors during its first two years. The book goes on sale the same day, Sept. 24. The event is sold out; however, the discussion will stream live on the museum’s Facebook Live channel.

NMAAHC LIVE: Furious Flower 25

Saturday, Sept. 28; 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater, Heritage Hall)

To celebrate African American poets and poetry, the museum will host James Madison University’s Furious Flower Poetry Center’s 25th anniversary with eight hours of poetry-focused programming open to the public. Founded in 1994 the Furious Flower Poetry Center is the nation’s first academic center of black poetry for creative writers, scholars and poetry lovers. The festivities commence with discussions, workshops and a performance by the Swazi Poets of South Africa, beginning at 3:45 p.m. The day concludes with two hours of readings and performances by 25 of the nation’s most storied American poets, including Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Gregory Pardlo, Tyehimba Jess, Yusef Komunyakaa and Terrance Hayes. Books by participating poets will be available for sale and signing courtesy of Smithsonian Enterprises. Admission is free; however, registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

A Speakeasy Evening: LGBTQ Celebration

Tuesday, Oct. 15; 7 p.m. (Museum Concourse and Oprah Winfrey Theater)

Inspired by the prohibition-era clubs of the Harlem Renaissance where speakeasies like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom thrived, the museum invites visitors to attend a LBGTQ speakeasy for allies of all gender identities and orientations to experience camaraderie, comedy and art. The evening starts with a reception on Concourse Level with light refreshments. Following the reception, the museum will screen the short film Happy Birthday, Marsha! The fictional film reimagines transgender rights pioneers, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, in the hours leading to the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City. The program will conclude with social commentary by noted comedian Sampson McCormick. Registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Historically Speaking: A DNA Story: An Adoptee Traces Her Biological Roots With Dena Chasten, Saturday, Oct. 19; noon

Special guest Dena Chasten will share her journey as a 12-year-old adoptee to find her family roots. Through public records’ search and interviews, Chasten was able to locate her birth parents and later used DNA testing to discover her identity and ancestry. Chasten will explore how a class assignment led her on a life-changing journey of self-discovery and identity affirmation. To register for the event, email familyhistorycenter@si.edu.

Historically Speaking: The Bold World by Jodie Patterson

Wednesday, Oct. 23; 7 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater)

Based on her memoir The Bold World, social activist and author Jodie Patterson will reveal how she reshaped her attitudes and beliefs, as well as those of her community, to meet the needs of her trans-gender son, Penelope. Patterson has been lauded for her activist work and sits on the board of a number of gender/family/human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign. The discussion will be moderated by Thelma Golden, director of the Studio Museum in Harlem. Following the discussion, Patterson’s book will be available for sale and signing courtesy of Smithsonian Books. Registration is required at https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Cinema + Conversation: Harriet

Thursday, Oct. 31; 7 p.m. (Oprah Winfrey Theater, Heritage Hall)

Harriet, “Be free or die“. directed by: Kasi Lemmons, starring: Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monae, Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Nettles

Join the museum for a special screening and discussion of the new film Harriet, based on the life of iconic abolitionist and Underground Railroad-conductor Harriet Tubman. Directed by Kasi Lemmons, the biopic Harriet follows Tubman’s escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of enslaved men and women through the Underground Railroad. Details of the screening will be made available at https://nmaahc.si.edu/event/upcoming.

Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than 5 million visitors. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu.

Publishing Giant Condé Nast Announces New Global Leadership Structure

U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs

New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles

Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.

Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New York and operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.

“One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynch “I’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.“

The new structure is as follows:

Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.

Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.

David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.

Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.

Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.

Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.

Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.

“We’re bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities, and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,” Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it easier for them to do business with us.“

The new structure and appointments take effect immediately.

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Embarks On Ninth Annual LifeRide For amfAR

Motorcycle Riding Influencers Ride Through Southern California to Raise Awareness and Funds to Help Find a Cure for AIDS

Kiehl’s Since 1851, the venerable New York-based purveyor of fine quality skin and hair care continues its long-standing commitment to supporting HIV/AIDS charities, with its enduring partnership with amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, and the ninth annual charity motorcycle ride, Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, Aug. 6-Aug. 10, 2018.

Conceived by the company’s history with motorcycles and its philanthropic heritage, the Ninth Annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR continues the brand’s commitment to supporting HIV/AIDS organizations and will heighten awareness and raise funds for amfAR’s quest to end HIV/AIDS.

This year, the charity ride blankets Southern California over 5 days and will rally with the public at 8 stores along the route, where the public is invited to meet the riders, learn more about amfAR, and contribute to the non-profit.

Chris Salgardo, Kiehl’s Brand Ambassador and Kevin Robert Frost, CEO, amfAR will ride from Los Angeles to San Diego, with Gilles Marini, actor, Days of Our Lives, tattoo artist Luke Wessman, top men’s style influencer, Blake Scott, and music

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve: 100% of the purchase price from the sale of Kiehl’s Limited Edition Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, up to $25,000, will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. Available for $28.50 at all Kiehl’s retail stores, Kiehls.com and specialty store partners nationwide.

photographer Travis Shinn.

And, as these riders make their way through Southern California, this year supporters will be able to ride along with them, courtesy of CycleBar. The premium indoor cycling brand will be offering Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR classes in select CycleBar studios nationwide, and Kiehl’s will donate $30 per bike in one of these classes, as part of its overall donation to amfAR. (To sign up at a CycleBar studio near you, please visit http://www.cyclebar.com/kiehlsrideforaidsresearch.)

David Wojnarowicz Retrospective At The Whitney Explores The Enduring Resonance Of An Artist Who Merged The Personal And The Political

This summer, the most complete presentation to date of the work of artist, writer, and activist David Wojnarowicz will be on view in a full-scale retrospective organized by the Whitney Museum of American Art. David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake at Night is the first major re-evaluation since 1999 of one of the most fervent and essential voices of his generation.

David Wojnarowicz with Tom Warren, Self-Portrait of David Wojnarowicz, 1983–84. Acrylic and collaged paper on gelatin silver print, 60 × 40 in. (152.4 × 101.6 cm). Collection of Brooke Garber Neidich and Daniel Neidich, Photograph by Ron Amstutz. (The exhibition is organized by David Breslin, DeMartini Family Curator and Director of the Collection, and David Kiehl, Curator Emeritus, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.)

Opening at the Whitney on July 13 and running through September 30, David Wojnarowicz: History Keeps Me Awake at Night features more than a hundred works by the artist and is organized by two Whitney curators, David Breslin, DeMartini Family Curator and Director of the Collection, and David Kiehl, Curator Emeritus. The exhibition, which will be installed in the Museum’s fifth floor Neil Bluhm Family Galleries through September 30, draws upon the scholarly resources of the Fales Library and Special Collections (NYU), the repository of Wojnarowicz’s archive, and is also built on the foundation of the Whitney’s extensive holdings of Wojnarowicz’s work, including thirty works from the Museum’s collection. It will travel to the Museo Reina Sofía, Madrid, in May 2019, and to Mudam Luxembourg – Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean, Luxembourg City, in November 2019.

Scott Rothkopf, Deputy Director for Programs and Nancy and Steve Crown Family Chief Curator, remarked, “Since his death more than twenty-five years ago, David Wojnarowicz has become an almost mythic figure, haunting, inspiring, and calling to arms subsequent generations through his inseparable artistic and political examples. This retrospective will enable so many to confront for the first time, or anew, the groundbreaking multidisciplinary body of work on which his legacy actually stands.”

Beginning in the late 1970s, David Wojnarowicz (1954–1992) created a body of work that spanned photography, painting, music, film, sculpture, writing, performance, and activism. Joining a lineage of iconoclasts, Wojnarowicz (pronounced Voyna-ROW-vich) saw the outsider as his true subject. His mature period began with a series of photographs and collages that honored—and placed himself among—consummate countercultural figures like Arthur Rimbaud, William Burroughs, and Jean Genet. Even as he became well-known in the East Village art scene for his mythological paintings, Wojnarowicz remained committed to writing personal essays. Queer and HIV-positive, Wojnarowicz became an impassioned advocate for people with AIDS at a time when an inconceivable number of friends, lovers, and strangers—disproportionately gay men—were dying from the disease and from government inaction.

After hitchhiking across the U.S. and living for several months in San Francisco, and then in Paris, David Wojnarowicz settled in New York in 1978 and soon after began to exhibit his work in East Village galleries. Largely self-taught, Wojnarowicz came to prominence in New York in the 1980s, a period marked by great creative energy and profound cultural changes. Intersecting movements—graffiti, new and no wave music, conceptual photography, performance, neo-expressionist painting—made New York a laboratory for innovation. Unlike many artists, Wojnarowicz refused a signature style, adopting a wide variety of techniques with an attitude of radical possibility. Distrustful of inherited structures, a feeling amplified by the resurgence of conservative politics, Wojnarowicz varied his repertoire to better infiltrate the culture.

His essay for the catalog accompanying the exhibition Witnesses: Against Our Vanishing (curated by Nan Goldin at Artists Space in 1989–90) came under fire for its vitriolic attack on politicians and leaders who were preventing AIDS treatment and awareness. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) threatened to defund the exhibition, and Wojnarowicz fought against this and for the first amendment rights of artists.

“Beyond I Do” Campaign Launches to Raise Awareness about the Prevalence of Discrimination Against LGBT People in the United States

Campaign highlights that Americans are being denied housing, losing their jobs, and being refused services because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender

A recently-launched campaign aims to raise awareness about the prevalence of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the United States, despite the widespread misconception they have basic protections.

The public service campaign from the Ad Council, in partnership with the Gill Foundation, promotes acceptance, empathy, and understanding for the millions of LGBT Americans who can be kicked out of their homes, fired from their jobs or denied services because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Created by ad agency CP+B with research and strategy from Redscout, the “Beyond I Do” campaign will confront the common misconception that LGBT Americans received full equality along with the right to marry.

The campaign highlights many stories of Americans who have faced discrimination across the country, along with facts about discrimination, at BeyondIDo.org. They speak for the 55 percent of LGBT people who have reported being discriminated against due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.1 And while public opinion research shows 79 percent of non-LGBT Americans support equality for LGBT people, 80 percent mistakenly believe it’s illegal under federal law to fire, evict or refuse service to someone because they are LGBT.2 3 In reality, 31 states lack comprehensive protections and allow these acts of discrimination against LGBT Americans.4

“Everyone should have the ability to live in safety, support their families, and go about their daily lives without the fear of being turned away because they’re gay or transgender,” said Lisa Sherman, Ad Council President, and CEO. “By sharing powerful and poignant stories, this campaign highlights the values we hold so dear as Americans and provides a real opportunity to grow awareness and empathy.”

“Beyond I Do” features stories of Americans from across the country who have been fired from their jobs, kicked out of their homes, or denied services because they are LGBT. They include:

Celebrity Cruises to Offer Legal Same-Sex Marriages Onboard

The Historic First For The Brand Was Made Possible Following A Monumental Vote In The Fleet’s Country Of Registry

Celebrity Cruises is proud to announce that same-sex marriages performed onboard are now legally recognized, marking a historic first for the modern luxury brand.

Celebrity Cruises Logo

The motion follows a transformative vote in Malta, where a majority of the Celebrity fleet is registered, which passed the country’s parliament 66-1. The long-awaited referendum opens the door for Celebrity to legally recognize same-sex marriages performed onboard, and have the fleet’s captains officiate the ceremonies.

“Celebrity Cruises has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and I cannot think of a more important time in our history than right now to do all we can to support inclusion. I am absolutely thrilled to announce that starting today, we welcome same-sex couples to marry on our ships while in international waters,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “This is one for the history books!”

The Celebrity Weddings program offers onboard ceremonies and destination weddings for lovebirds. The Nautical Nuptials at Sea package includes a Captain-led ceremony, an event coordinator’s services, live music, one hour of photography, cake for two, bottle of Champagne, a bouquet and boutonniere, plus additional romantic turndown amenities post-ceremony.

“Celebrity Weddings has already hosted many same-sex weddings in the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, where legal,” said Barbara Whitehall, Managing Director, The Wedding Experience. “We are ecstatic that this new Malta ruling opens up marriage equality for anyone and everyone sailing with Celebrity Cruises while in international waters.“

To learn more about the Celebrity Weddings program and The Wedding Experience, visit www.celebrityweddings.eweddingcalendar.com.

Los Angeles LGBT Center Expands Services for Homeless LGBTQ Youth With Support From S. Mark Taper Foundation

This week the Los Angeles LGBT Center announces it has received a $100,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation to support The Center‘s Homeless Youth Services. The S. Mark Taper Foundation, founded in 1989, is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of people’s lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their work in their respective communities.

The grant will help fund holistic services including food, showers, emergency shelter, transitional housing, education, college access services, employment training, job placement assistance, addiction recovery and other health and wellness support.

On any given day or night, there are several thousand homeless youth ages 24 and younger living on the streets of Los Angeles. At its Youth Center, which is open seven days a week, the Center provides three meals per day; clothing; support group; a charter high school, GED, and college prep program; an employment preparation, training, and placement program; and more. The Center also offers a place to stay at its emergency shelter and longer-term housing at its transitional housing program.

In 2016 the Center served more than 74,000 meals at its Youth Center and provided more than 22,858 bed nights to homeless youth. Additionally, more than 109 homeless youth secured jobs through the Center’s Youth Employment Program.

“With a staggering 40 percent of youth living on the streets in Hollywood identifying as LGBT, the Los Angeles LGBT Center will be able to expand its life-saving services to homeless youth because of the S. Mark Taper Foundation’s generosity,” said Center Director of Children, Youth & Family Services Simon Costello. “No organization offers a wider range of services for LGBT and questioning youth than the Los Angeles LGBT Center. We are honored to work with the S. Mark Taper Foundation to provide whatever support and services that youth need to get off the streets and become healthy, equal and complete members of society.“

“The Los Angeles LGBT Center does exceptional work in helping homeless youth find a better quality of life, and we are proud to help the Center continue its mission,” said S. Mark Taper Foundation Executive Director Adrienne Wittenberg. “Too many youths find themselves trying to survive on the streets of Los Angeles, but with our relationship with the Center, together we will transform and uplift the lives of these youth for the better.“

Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 600 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. The Center is an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; the world in which LGBT people can be healthy, equal and complete members of society. Learn more at lalgbtcenter.org.

The Jewish Museum Announces New, Major Collection Exhibition to Open Fall 2017

The Jewish Museum’s long-running collection exhibition, Culture and Continuity: The Jewish Journey, originally mounted in 1993, recently close, making way for a major, new collection display, Scenes from the Collection, opening in Fall 2017. Culture and Continuity’s last day on view was Sunday, February 12, 2017.

The Jewish Museum (New York) logo

The Jewish Museum‘s unparalleled collection spans 4,000 years of Jewish culture through nearly 30,000 objects, including painting, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, ceremonial objects, antiquities, works on paper, and media. Scenes from the Collection will transform the Museum’s third floor and feature over 650 works from antiquities to contemporary art – many of which will be on view for the first time at the Museum. The exhibition was designed by Tsao & McKown Architects.

Hanukkah Lamp, Orivit-Aktiengesellschaft (1900-1905), Köln-Braunsfeld (Germany), 1900-05. White metal: cast and silver-plated; glass: mold formed, 13⅞ x 12¾ x 5 5/16 in. (35.3 x 32.4 x 13.5 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman (?), F 3573.

The new exhibition will be divided into eight different sections, or scenes, highlighting the diversity and depth of the collection. The new installation will present the collection as a reflection of the continual evolution that is the essence of Jewish identity, as well as a powerful expression of artistic and cultural creativity.

“Scenes from the Collection will immerse our visitors in a dynamic and engaging experience. Developed collaboratively among the Museum’s curatorial staff, the new installation is a reflection of the Jewish Museum’s unique position as an art museum exploring Jewish culture and identity through a contemporary lens,” said Claudia Gould, Helen Goldsmith Menschel Director of the Jewish Museum.

Torah Binder, Rabat (Morocco), 19th century. Cotton: embroidered with silk thread, 9 1/2 × 103 3/4 in. (24.1 × 263.5 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Gift of Sonia Cohen Azagury, 2004-64.

In addition, Scenes from the Collection will be flexible, with four scenes changing annually, and one changing every six months, so that different subjects can be examined while more of the collection is on view. The stories the works of art tell will illuminate multiple perspectives on being Jewish in the past and present, how Jewish culture intersects with art and the art world, and how it is part of the larger world of global interconnections.

The eight scenes are:

Origins

Scenes from the Collection will start from the beginning – the year 1904 when the Museum was founded with a gift of ceremonial objects from Judge Mayer Sulzberger. Central to this section will be the question of what, why, and how the Museum has collected and what this says about the changing identity of the institution, the Jewish community, and the art world.

Constellations

Laurie Simmons (American, b. 1949), Woman Listening to Radio, 1978. Gelatin silver print, sheet: 7 15/16 × 9 15/16 in. (20.2 × 25.2 cm); image: 5 3/16 × 8 in. (13.2 × 20.3 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Purchase: Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation Fund, 2013-1. © Laurie Simmons, image courtesy of the artist and Salon 94, New York

In “Constellations,” over 50 of the most visually powerful and culturally significant works in the collection – from antiquities to the twenty-first century – will be exhibited as individual gems but with powerful thematic connections to one another. Such issues will be explored as transforming and transcending tradition, cultural distinctiveness and universality, and ever-changing notions of identity. Groups of works will relate to each other aesthetically or contextually, creating multiple conversations. For example, three works that can be seen as challenging tradition are Peter Blume’s Pig’s Feet and Vinegar (1927), Laurie Simmons’ Woman Listening to Radio (1978), and Nicole Eisenman’s Seder (2011).

Nicole Eisenman (American, b. France, 1965), Seder, 2010. Oil on canvas, 39 1/16 × 48 in. (99.2 × 121.9 cm). The Jewish Museum, New York, Purchase Lore Ross Bequest; Milton and Miriam Handler Endowment Fund; and Fine Arts Acquisitions Committee Fund, 2011-3 © Nicole Eisenman.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center Receives $10,000 Grant From The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation in Partnership with Macy’s

The Los Angeles LGBT Center has been awarded a grant for $10,000 from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in partnership with Macy’s to fund an HIV prevention program tailored for LGBT youth. The grant will be used by the Center’s Sexual Health and Education Program, which provides cutting-edge HIV prevention care that includes rapid HIV antibody testing, ultra-sensitive PCR/DNA HIV testing, comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing and STI treatment, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and more.

The Los Angeles LGBT Center

The Center is honored to be recognized by ETAF for its unique work in the community. Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 600 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services, and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. The organization is an unstoppable force in the fight against bigotry and the struggle to build a better world; a world in which LGBT people can be healthy, equal and complete members of society.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) logo

The late Dame Elizabeth Taylor established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991 to support organizations delivering direct care and services to people living with HIV and AIDS, especially the most marginalized communities. Today, ETAF also provides grants for innovative HIV prevention education and advocacy programs to existing organizations around the world. With key domestic advocacy funding focuses on comprehensive sexual health education and HIV criminalization reform, ETAF continues to bring the marginalized to the center of attention and advocate for their rights. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has granted to more than 675 organizations in 44 countries and nearly all 50 states in the U.S.

“The work that the Los Angeles LGBT Center does to help people affected by HIV/AIDS is impressive and very much aligned with Elizabeth Taylor’s passionate commitment to the cause,” said Joel Goldman, Managing Director of The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. “ETAF and our partners at Macy’s are thrilled to present the Los Angeles LGBT Center with these funds to help further our shared mission.”

Through their Cause Marketing Program, Macy’s recognizes their responsibility to the community and their concern for the needs of their neighbors. They are proud to partner with ETAF and have contributed to this grant.

JetBlue Remains at the Top for LGBT Workplace Equality

For Yet Another Year JetBlue Earns a Perfect ‘100’ From the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Annual Scorecard on LGBT Workplace Equality

JetBlue announced today that it has received another top score of 100 on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI). The honor from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation is based on surveys and reports on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

JetBlue and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus teamed up for the 2016 NYC Pride March, celebrating with great music, impressive dance moves, and a 500-ticket giveaway (Photos courtesy: Blandon)

The CEI evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. JetBlue’s efforts in satisfying all of the CEI’s criteria results in a 100 ranking and the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality.

“JetBlue is thrilled to once again earn a top rating in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue’s President and CEO. “Here at JetBlue we are proud to embrace our company’s rich diversity and celebrate the LGBT crewmembers who have helped make us one of America’s best places to work.”

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 35 million customers a year to 100 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 925 daily flights.

JetBlue and the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus teamed up for the 2016 NYC Pride March, celebrating with great music, impressive dance moves, and a 500-ticket giveaway (Photos courtesy: Blandon)

Denver Arts Week Celebrates 10th Anniversary

For 10 straight years, the eight-day citywide festival has celebrated Denver’s creative community with hundreds of events bringing thousands of people each year

Denver Arts Week, an annual celebration of The Mile High City‘s vibrant arts scene, will mark its 10th anniversary this year from November 4-12. Presented by VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau, the event will feature annual favorites like Know Your Arts First Friday and FREE Night at the Museums, as well as new experiences throughout the more than 300 events at galleries, museums and arts districts throughout the city.

“Denver is home to a phenomenal year-round arts scene – with world-renowned museums, cutting edge street art, exceptional performing arts and more,” says Richard Scharf, president and CEO of VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. “For 10 years, Denver Arts Week has encouraged people to celebrate the city’s cultural scene, and we are thrilled that the event has continued to evolve and grow as much as the arts scene has. The tenth anniversary is the perfect opportunity to attend some classic events or experience new ones and really immerse yourself in the city’s creative community.“

With more than 300 cultural events – some of which are free or heavily discounted – throughout the city over nine days, there are plenty of reasons to make a night – or a few nights – of it; and there are plenty of great hotel deals to facilitate a stay in Denver. For a complete calendar and a full listing of all the deals and discounts on art, experiences and hotels, visit the Denver Arts Week website.

10 Ways to Make the Most of Denver Arts Week

It can be difficult to choose from the myriad of events taking place around town; here’s how to get the most out of Denver Arts Week 2016:

1. Explore vibrant art districts and diverse neighborhoods on First Friday Art Walks, Nov. 4

Art District on Santa Fe

The annual event kicks off with citywide First Friday Art Walks in Denver’s art districts, where more than 100 galleries and display spaces stay open late and feature art shows, demonstrations and more. Go on a VIP Art Tour in the River North Art District (RiNo), take advantage of Tennyson Street Cultural District‘s $52.80 art sale, submit your own art in the Art District on Santa Fe‘s “To Denver With Love” art contest, and venture to the Golden Triangle neighborhood to see some of the city’s finest galleries.

2. Experience FREE Night at the Museums on Nov. 5

Venues around town are open late, from 5 to 10 p.m., during FREE Night at the Museums. The museums offer special programming, family-friendly activities and live entertainment, and there are complimentary shuttles to make “museum hopping” easy and convenient. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver Art Museum, History Colorado Center, The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), Forney Museum of Transportation and Denver Firefighters Museum are just some of this year’s many not-to-miss participants.

3. Check out blockbuster exhibitions, from mummies to Japanese fashion

This fall, several of Denver’s major museums are hosting international traveling exhibitions and original curations. See Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea at Denver Zoo; Shock Wave: Japanese Fashion Design, 1980s-90s at the Denver Art Museum; and Extreme Mammals and Mummies: New Secrets from the Tombs, both of which are at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea, features 15 giant sculptures depicting sea life, made almost entirely of debris collected from beaches.

This unusual traveling exhibit, Washed Ashore, Art to Save the Sea, features 15 giant sculptures depicting sea life, made almost entirely of debris collected from beaches. Hosted by Denver Zoo, it’s the first time the exhibit has appeared at an inland, noncoastal location. The exhibit will be open from Sept. 24, 2016, to Jan. 16, 2017. The Washed Ashore Project aims to educate the public and raise awareness about pollution through the arts. As a community-based organization, lead artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi draws on people of all ages to help her remove thousands of pounds of debris from beaches then turn it into large works of art.

The organization says 90 percent of the debris they collect come from petroleum-based products such as plastics, nylon ropes and fishing nets. Almost all of the trash then gets turned into sculptures such as a walk-through replica of ocean currents and a coral reef made of Styrofoam.

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus Celebrates The Greatest City In The World For Its 2016/17 Season

“To sing together is to form a family. To sing for an audience is to invite you into our family.”

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus recently announced their 2016/17 season of concerts and fundraisers, which celebrates a city like no other: New York.

“Our world today has been shaken by tragedy and division and we’ve seen what music can do to connect people, challenge intolerance, and celebrate life,” said Charlie Beale, Artistic Director for NYCGMC. “New York City has long welcomed people from all walks of life to live together and find harmony. With all that’s happening in the world, it feels like the right time to sing music that celebrates NYC as an eternal beacon for inclusion, opportunity, excitement, and inspiration,” Beale added.

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus. Photo by Michael R. Dekker

NYCGMC’s 2016/17 season includes an exciting, diverse, and musically rich program that celebrates the city’s attitude and history, the weird and wonderful life and diversity of the city today, as well as NYC’s changing relationship with, and influence on, the rest of the world. NYCGMC will also be taking their performances to all corners of the five boroughs throughout the year—details of which will be announced later in the season. JetBlue is the official airline and corporate partner of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.

“This season will be as spectacular and magical as if you’re discovering the city for the first time,” Charlie further added.

2016/2017 Concert Series Details:

XMAS & CHILL A COZY HOLIDAY WITH 250 GAY MEN With Special Guests – Well Strung

XMAS & CHILL A COZY HOLIDAY WITH 250 GAY MEN With Special Guests – Well Strung
Saturday December 17, 8pm/Sunday December 18, 3pm
The Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St

Light up the fire, shake off the snow, and crack open the holiday champagne. It’s time to leave the crowds, the cold, the car horns, and the craziness outside, and snuggle up with your favorite gays for the merriest holiday celebration in New York this season.

Xmas & Chill will feature some of the coolest arrangements of holiday favorites, spine-tingling traditional choral pieces, many other fabulous performances, plus our very special guests, the hunky string quartet Well Strung. Filled with the spirit of the season, Xmas & Chill will be the ultimate holiday date night for the whole city.

Warm-hearted, funny, nostalgic, uplifting, and always with an incredible sound, this is guaranteed to be the one holiday show in NYC that truly sleighs.

Well Strung

Well-Strung, a New York City based string quartet, derives their unique blend of vocals and strings by fusing classical music with the pop music of today. Members Edmund Bagnell (1st violin), Chris Marchant (2nd violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello), and Trevor Wadleigh (viola) spend their time making new music and touring internationally. The group was conceived by producer Mark Cortale and Chris Marchant

HARMONY: OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA – Benefiting New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Youth Pride Chorus
STUDIO 54 IS BACK FOR ONE SENSATIONAL NIGHT

Annenberg Space For Photography Announces Lectures And Events To Accompany New Exhibition, IDENTITY: TIMOTHY GREENFIELD-SANDERS THE LIST SERIES

The Annenberg Space for Photography announced its complementary programming for IDENTITY: Timothy Greenfield-Sanders The List Portraits, the new exhibit on view at the Photography Space through February 26, 2017. The upcoming Iris Nights lecture series and other special events also explore matters of identity and/or the art of photography. IDENTITY is comprised of 151 photos from the celebrated photographer’s List Series (The Black List, The Latino List, The Women’s List and The Out List) as well as new addition The Trans List. Many of the Iris Nights lecturers were featured in one of Greenfield-Sanders’ lists.

Filmmaker/photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders is director and producer of “American Masters: The Women’s List.” Photo Credit: ©Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Recent events in our nation have amplified conversations about inequality, oppression and prejudice. These issues often relate to the first-hand experiences of the cultural pioneers photographed for Greenfield-Sanders‘ List Series, including those who will speak at Iris Nights events. The series highlights breakthroughs for groups of people that have historically been marginalized and underrepresented. It also celebrates its subjects’ remarkable accomplishments; each is a shining example in their community who serves as an ally and leader for minorities, often in the face of adversity.

Photo Credit: ©Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Iris Nights offers audiences the opportunity to learn firsthand about the experiences and life journeys of the portrait subjects as well as top photographers, all in the intimate environment of Skylight Studios. Other Skylight programming surrounding the IDENTITY exhibition features similarly themed lectures and hands-on workshops over the next three months, including a photographers’ field trip to capture images of professional dancers. For more information and to make reservations, click here.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

September 23 – Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

The acclaimed portrait photographer discusses the overarching themes of his work and other aspects of his life and career.

September 29 – Alok Vaid-Menon

The dynamic writer/activist explores the implications of visual representation for trans and gender-non-conforming people who use their work as mixed-media performance artists to contemplate what it means to live outside gender.

October 6 – Nick Adams

The longtime-GLAAD representative discusses his experiences as a transgender man working with Hollywood to create more authentic portrayals of transgender people, and explain why improving media images is so critical for the transgender community.

October 8 – #BlaxicansOfLA: Telling Our Story

Photographer and documentary filmmaker Walter Thompson-Hernandez talks about his work on the #BlaxicansOfLA project, which showcases “Blaxicans” – representative of the two largest ethnic minority groups in Los Angeles – and challenges viewers to explore racial identities in more inclusive ways.

October 13 – Art Streiber

This presentation is a look behind the scenes at some of the more complex editorial shoots that the portrait photographer has undertaken for magazines such as ESPN, Vanity Fair, Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times Magazine.

October 20 – Ruddy Roye

Hailed as one of the greatest street photographers working today, Ruddy Roye discusses his career in photojournalism and his editorial and environmental portraits, which often focus on the raw and gritty lives of people in his native Jamaica.

October 27 – Faye Wattleton

The esteemed activist and executive delves into her personal journey and the steps necessary to advance women’s rights and status in society in the 21st Century.

October 29 – iO Tillet Wright Lecture and Book Signing

The artist, activist and TV personality hosts a lecture on his gender-and-identity-oriented photography and book signing to promote Darling Days, his inspiring new memoir about growing up at the intersection of punk, poverty, heroin and art.

October 30 – 15 Things You Can Do to Get Represented by a Gallery

Daniel Miller, director of the Duncan Miller Gallery and founder of YourDailyPhotograph.com, leads a no-nonsense seminar for upcoming artists on developing their careers, understanding the business of selling their artwork and gaining gallery representation.

November 3 – Beverly Johnson

The “Jackie Robinson of modeling” discusses her pioneering career in fashion and expand on powerful stories told in her book, The Face That Changed It All.

November 5-6 – Two-Day Documentary Photography Workshop with Jon Lowenstein

The Postcards from Ferguson and NOOR Images photographer teaches a hands-on workshop on alternative approaches to photography, audience-building and effective social media usage, culminating in a one-on-one evaluation of students’ work.

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

September 27 is National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day of action—initiated by United States’ governing health body, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention— to focus on what each of us can do to reduce the toll of HIV among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). More directly, National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) is observed each year to direct attention to the continuing and disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on gay and bisexual men in the United States.

HIV Among Gay and Bisexual Men – Fast Facts from the CDC:

• Gay and bisexual men are more severely affected by HIV than any other group in the United States.
• From 2005 to 2014, HIV diagnoses decreased in the United States by 19% overall, but increased 6% among all gay and bisexual men, driven by increases among African American and Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men.
• Over the past 5 years (2010-2014), the increase in HIV diagnoses among all gay and bisexual men was less than 1%, although progress has been uneven among races/ethnicities.

Although only 2% of the US population, gay and bisexual men account for more than half of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States and two-thirds of all new diagnoses each year. If trends continue, 1 in 6 gay and bisexual men will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime, including 1 in 2 black gay and bisexual men, 1 in 4 Latino gay and bisexual men, and 1 in 11 white gay and bixesual men. But these rates are not inevitable. There are many actions gay and bisexual men can take to protect themselves and those they care about from HIV. And each of us can take action to help ensure gay and bisexual men know what options are available. We have more prevention tools today than ever before.

Estimated New HIV Diagnoses Among the Most-Affected Subpopulations, 2014—United States. Image and information courtesy of The (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The Numbers – HIV and AIDS Diagnosesd

In 2014:

• Gay and bisexual men accounted for 83% (29,418) of the estimated new HIV diagnoses among all males aged 13 and older and 67% of the total estimated new diagnoses in the United States.
• Gay and bisexual men aged 13 to 24 accounted for an estimated 92% of new HIV diagnoses among all men in their age group and 27% of new diagnoses among all gay and bisexual men. 
• Gay and bisexual men accounted for an estimated 54% (11,277) of people diagnosed with AIDS. Of those men, 39% were African American, 32% were white, and 24% were Hispanic/Latino.

Although HIV diagnoses increased among gay and bisexual men overall from 2005 to 2014—and increased sharply among African American and Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men—diagnoses overall have stabilized in more recent years:

• From 2010 to 2014, diagnoses increased less than 1% among all gay and bisexual men overall and among African American gay and bisexual men. Diagnoses:
  • Declined 6% among white gay and bisexual men.
  • Increased 13% among Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men.
• From 2010 to 2014, among young (aged 13 to 24) gay and bisexual men, diagnoses: 
  • Declined 2% among young African American gay and bisexual men.
  • Declined less than 1% among young white gay and bisexual men.
  • Increased 16% among young Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men.

Living With HIV

• At the end of 2013, 687,800 gay and bisexual men were living with HIV. Of those, 15% were unaware of their infection.
• Among gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV infection in 2014, 84% were linked to medical care within three months of diagnosis.e
• During 2013, 57% of gay and bisexual men who had been living with diagnosed HIV for at least a year were retained in care (receiving continuous HIV medical care) and 58% had a suppressed viral load (a very low level of the virus). e

Prevention Challenges

• Gay and bisexual men continue to experience the greatest burden of HIV compared to any other group in the United States. Therefore gay and bisexual men have an increased chance of being exposed to HIV. A 2016 analysis estimated that there are nearly 4.5 million gay and bisexual men in the United States and that 15% are living with HIV infection (11% diagnosed).
• Nearly 1 in 7 gay and bisexual men living with HIV are unaware they have it. People who don’t know they have HIV cannot get the medicines they need to stay healthy and reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV to their partners. Therefore, they may transmit the infection to others without knowing it.
• Most gay and bisexual men acquire HIV through having anal sex with an HIV-positive person without using a condom or without taking daily medicine to prevent HIV called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or without their partner taking medicine to treat HIV called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or transmitting HIV. Receptive anal sex is 13 times as risky for acquiring HIV as insertive anal sex. Using condoms the right way every time and taking medicines to prevent or treat HIV each can reduce the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Combining 2 or more options provides more protection from HIV and condoms also protect from some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
• Gay and bisexual men are also at increased risk for other Sexually Transmitted Diseases, like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
• Homophobia, stigma, and discrimination may place gay and bisexual men at risk for multiple physical and mental health problems and affect whether they seek and are able to obtain high-quality health services.

What The CDC Is Doing

The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) funds health departments and other Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to support HIV prevention services for gay and bisexual men. For example,

Robin Roberts to Receive Point Foundation Courage Award

Anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America” Will Receive Award at Point Honors Gala at the Beverly Hilton October 1

Point Foundation (Point) will honor Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts with the Point Courage Award at the organization’s annual Point Honors Los Angeles Gala October 1. The award recognizes those who have advocated for the future of the LGBTQ community and believe in the vision that investing in today’s potential will produce a brighter tomorrow.

Robin Roberts

Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society. Point Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training.

Roberts is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and a survivor of breast cancer. Her willingness to publicly share her medical odyssey was recognized with a Peabody Award, as well as the admiration of millions. TV personality and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump will present the award to Roberts.

Michael Lombardo

Also at the October 1 event, the Point Impact Award will be presented to producer and broadcast executive Michael Lombardo by actress Molly Shannon. Comedian Tig Notaro will host the evening, which will include appearances by Wendi McLendon-Covey, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, and Matt Walsh, among others. Additional celebrity participants will be announced shortly. Information about attending or supporting Point Honors is at www.pointfoundation.org/LAHonors.

“My mother always told me, ‘We’ve all got something to give’ and that’s why it’s so important to empower young people through education,” said Roberts. “Nothing – not race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation – should stand in the way of anyone getting the chance to become a skilled doctor, a scientist, journalist, or an artist whose creativity brings us joy. I am blessed to be in a position to encourage young people to help those in need, as well as assure them there are people and organizations like Point Foundation that they can turn to when they need help.”

“Robin Robert’s achievements as a highly accomplished journalist make her a great role model for LGBTQ students,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. “That she continued to express great empathy for the lives of others even when facing daunting challenges to her health, demonstrated great courage and leadership.”

Point Foundation is the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer LGBTQ students of merit. Some of Point’s 84 current scholarship recipients and 244 alumni will be at the event to share with the audience their inspiring stories.

Sponsors:

Main Partner Etihad Airways to Present its Virtual Reality Movie Featuring Nicole Kidman at the 2016 Zurich Film Festival

Airline to Also Sponsor the Prestigious Audience Award

At this year’s 12^th annual Zurich Film Festival, taking place from 22 September to 2 October, visitors will be able to experience Etihad Airways’ 360-degree virtual reality movie featuring Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman and have the chance to win flights to Abu Dhabi by participating in a draw for the Audience Award presented by Etihad Airways.

Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are excited to continue our partnership with one of the most prestigious cultural events in Switzerland. The sponsorship underscores our active support of global cultural events, engagement in the local communities we serve and it reinforces our long-term commitment to the Swiss market. Switzerland is an important market for our airline, which we have been serving since 2004. Travellers from cities around the world can conveniently reach Zurich and Geneva using Etihad Airways’ daily flights and the domestic and regional European services of our partner airlines, airberlin, Niki, Alitalia, Air Serbia and Etihad Regional.”

Now in its twelfth year, the Zurich Film Festival showcases diverse stories from around the world with screenings of nearly 160 films, offering cinematic treats to more than 85,000 national and international visitors. Participants include both emerging and renowned filmmakers as well as buyers, sellers, distributors, media professionals and industry leaders.

The festival is internationally recognized and has attracted high profile personalities on its green carpet every year, including Hollywood celebrities Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Richard Gere, Sylvester Stallone, John Travolta, Susan Sarandon, Oliver Stone, Sean Penn, Diane Keaton and many more.

In addition to a veritable feast of films on tap (over 172 at last count), guests will also have the opportunity to view Etihad Airways’ 360-degree virtual reality movie starring Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman in the main festival tent. The five-minute feature, titled ‘Reimagine’, which was first released in May 2016, immerses its viewers in a journey following Kidman through one of Etihad Airways’ new Airbus A380s flying between New York and Abu Dhabi. Each scene in the film takes on a theme intended to stimulate the senses of light, sound, motion, and conversation.

For the 2016 edition, Etihad Airways will sponsor the Audience Award. As the culmination of three categories, the Audience Award is one of the festival’s most prestigious and is voted for by festival visitors. By voting, viewers have the opportunity to win two Business Class return-flights with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and experience the exclusive business class service of Etihad Airways, or two Economy Class return-flights with airberlin to a destination in the USA. The Director of the winning film will be awarded two Business Class return-flights with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi and three luxurious nights in a 5-star hotel. What’s more; film fans who buy their movie ticket at an official Zurich Film Festival ticket counter, will receive a 20% discount voucher for all flights with Etihad Airways and a reduction of CHF 20 for flights with airberlin.

Nadja Schildknecht and Karl Spoerri, Zurich Film Festival’s Co-Directors, said: “We are very proud of our partnership with Etihad Airways, which helps us reach audiences worldwide. This partnership has proven to be a great fit as the Zurich Film Festival and Etihad Airways share a vision of bringing people together from across the globe through arts and culture.”

For more information about the festival, visit www.zff.com.

The Entertainment Community Unites For onePULSE: A Benefit For Orlando In Hollywood, CA

Notable Industry Names, Companies and Luminaries Partner for August 19th Event to Honor and Remember the Victims of Orlando Shooting Tragedy

Proceeds Raised from the Event will Benefit the onePULSE Foundation and the National Compassion Fund to Serve Those Affected by the Tragedy and Build a Permanent Memorial

In a powerful show of collaboration and support, leading names, artists and businesses in the entertainment community are teaming up in an event to honor as well as raise much needed funds for the victims of the Orlando tragedy. onePULSE: A Benefit for Orlando is a unique partnership effort to raise in support of onePULSE Foundation (www.onePULSEFoundation.org), the official 501(c)(3) entity incorporated by the owners of the Pulse Nightclub.

For over twelve years, Pulse was a destination that welcomed everyone and embraced the LGBTQ community. It had been a place immersed in joy and music, and one that united Orlando’s diverse communities. Founded by Barbara Poma and Ron Legler in the memory of Barbara’s late brother, John, who passed away in 1991, the name Pulse was chosen to keep his pulse beating on. Pulse Nightclub in turn became the heartbeat of Orlando and the spiritual home of the LGBTQ community.

On June 12th, 2016 Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL was the scene of the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. The tragedy took 49 lives, and injured 53 others, and left a deep wound in both the Orlando community and around the world.

“The genesis of Pulse Nightclub began with honoring the heart and vibrant spirit of my late brother many years ago, but at this moment we have an even greater call to action,” said Poma. “With the help of some incredibly generous partners, we are grateful to lean on the platform that the industry provides to spread love and support to those affected by this tragedy. I am awed by how quickly so many individuals have come together in a common cause. Our goal is to create a true family community. No amount of hate can destroy that bond. We will heal together.”

The August 19th event will be held at the recently launched NeueHouse Hollywood, aligning artists, activists, and survivors in a program that honors those taken by the tragedy with tributes to the heroes and victims of the Orlando shooting.

The diverse presentation from the Hollywood community will include Poma and will feature an exclusive video that interviews both survivors and families of the victims, some of whom will be in attendance at the event, along with a special video message from President Barack Obama and Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton.

The evening is supported by many leading names in the industry, and the onePULSE Foundation will raise additional funds through their generous donations. Via partners CharityBuzz, Prizeo and Omaze, those who want to support the initiative beyond the text to donate campaign can bid on one-of-a-kind experiences donated by supporters who include Mark Cuban, Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Cyndi Lauper, Sir Richard Branson, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, LP, Robbie Rogers and many others.

Entertainment industry leaders supporting the benfit and the foundation include Virgin Produced, iHeartMedia, Universal, private work collective for creative entrepreneurs NeueHouse Hollywood and the City of Los Angeles which have also lent their support to the campaign. In support of the initiative, Virgin America guests will soon be able to donate inflight by going to the shop: make a difference section of the RED ® in-flight entertainment system as well.

All proceeds raised through individual donors, corporate sponsorship – and via the text PULSE to 91999 donation campaign – will benefit the onePULSE Foundation, whose mission is to provide assistance to victims of the attack at Pulse Nightclub and build a permanent memorial at the Pulse Nightclub site. Through the end of 2016, ninety percent of monies raised through this campaign will be granted to the National Compassion Fund*** (www.nationalcompassionfund.org), developed by the National Center for Victims of Crime, and designated to support those affected by the June 12th tragedy. The remaining proceeds from the event and campaign will contribute to the creation of a permanent memorial at the existing site of Pulse Nightclub, providing a sanctuary of hope dedicated to the lives affected and taken by the tragedy in Orlando, FL.

“The horror of this attack on the LGBTQ and Hispanic communities prompted the generosity of people from around the world. We are honored to serve as steward of these funds and ensure that we receive in the name of victims is distributed directly to them,” said Mai Fernandez, executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime.

“We look forward to collaborating with all those who support this mission so that this is a unified effort, made possible not by one person but by and for everyone who wants to help,” added Poma.

For more information on how to join or support the onePULSE coalition as an individual or business, please visit: www.onepulsefoundation.org.

***The National Compassion Fund, a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Federal Tax ID #30-0022798 and Florida Registration #CH21962, California Registration #11015), provides a single, trusted way for the public to donate directly to victims of a mass crime, such as a shooting or terrorist attack. It serves donors by honoring their intent and crime victims by distributing donations directly to them, in a fair and transparent way and has been developed in partnership with victims and family members from past mass casualty crimes, including those from Sandy Hook, Aurora, Virginia Tech, Oak Creek Temple, NIU, Columbine, and 9/11. The National Compassion Fund (The Fund).

Gap Marks (RED)’s 10th Anniversary in the Fight Against AIDS

Gap Has Raised $10M For The Global Fund Since 2006; Launches Special Product Collection To Mark (RED)’s 10th Anniversary

Gap is proud to commemorate (RED)‘s 10th anniversary and its role as the founding apparel partner of the AIDS organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver (to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world’s most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund), Gap has contributed $10 million dollars to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and has encouraged customers to support the fight through its (RED) partnership product collections that have heightened awareness of the AIDS pandemic and the opportunity to end it by 2030.

(PRNewsFoto/Gap)

To mark the anniversary, Gap is releasing a special collection of favorites for the entire family. The iconic (Gap)RED logo design, featuring inspiring text such as SUPER POWE(RED), INC(RED)IBLE and FI(RED) UP, will be offered in tees, sweatshirts and tanks for men, women and kids and in onesies for baby ($24.95-$54.95). Outerwear and denim will also be offered for men and women, including a classic bomber and straight selvedge jeans for men and a denim jacket, jeans and sleeveless puffer vest for women ($79.95-$108). The collection will be available at select Gap stores around the world and on www.gap.com beginning July 26.

“It is an honor for Gap to celebrate (RED)’s 10th anniversary. We’re proud of Gap’s role in helping (RED) launch 10 years ago,” said Jeff Kirwan, Global President, Gap. “(GAP)RED takes what we do best – creating great products that people love – and provides customers an opportunity to take part in positive change. We’re pleased that our (GAP)RED collections spark meaningful conversations that inspire people to join the movement to end AIDS.“

Selected styles from Gap’s new (RED) collection available for the entire family. (PRNewsFoto/Gap)

Deborah Dugan, CEO, (RED) said: “This year is an important anniversary year for (RED) which has generated a total of $350 million so far and impacted the lives of 70 million people. With our wonderful (RED) partners like Gap, we’re doubling down on our efforts to fight this preventable, treatable disease. We’re honored to see Gap once again bringing great (RED) apparel items to their stores around the world, making it easy for everyone, everywhere, to join the fight.”

Mark Dybul, Executive Director, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, said: “The $10 million generated by Gap through their (RED) partnership underlines the importance of the private sector to ending the AIDS epidemic. Their contribution has enabled the Global Fund to improve the lives of many affected by HIV.”

To amplify the collection’s important message, Gap will release a series of videos that demonstrate the partnership’s impact on the fight against AIDS. This storytelling will engage audiences across Gap’s digital channels and social platforms and customers are encouraged to join the conversation by tagging social content with the hashtag #endAIDS.

(RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, GAP, MCM, NetJets, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks, Telcel.

(RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Billecart-Salmon, Ergo Depot, Fresh, Fatboy USA, Fresh, Girl Skateboards, HEAD, Le Creuset, Live Nation Entertainment, Moleskine, Mophie, NetJets, Piaggio, Uber, and Wolfnoir.

To date, (RED) has generated $350 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 70 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services. (RED) is a division of The ONE Campaign. Learn more at www.red.org

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Announces New Awards for Grant-Making Partnership with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF)

$330,000 In Grant Awards Focus On The Aids Epidemic In The Southern United States

“Join us in speaking out, taking action, and contributing to our efforts to achieve a world without AIDS.” – The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF)

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced a second year of grant awards made in partnership with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF). With the support of $100,000 in funding from The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, EJAF has awarded $330,000 in grants to five organizations addressing the AIDS epidemic in the Southern part of the United States. EJAF is excited about the continued impact this partnership will have in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Southern United States where it is needed most.

Elton John AIDS Foundation logo (PRNewsFoto/Elton John AIDS Foundation)

At the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) they believe that AIDS can be beaten. They act on that belief by raising funds for evidence-based programs and policies, and also by speaking out with honesty and compassion about the realities of people’s lives. Elton John created EJAF over twenty years ago, first in the United States in 1992 and then in the United Kingdom in 1993. Through hard work and with the help of a wide range of kind and generous friends and supporters—and the annual Elton John Oscar Night Viewing party held in Los Angeles, the two foundations together have raised more than $349 million over the past two decades to combat stigma, prevent infections, provide treatment and services, and motivate governments to end AIDS. The U.S. foundation focuses its efforts on programs in the United States, the Americas, and the Caribbean, while the U.K. foundation funds HIV-related work in Europe,Asia, and Africa.

The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) logo

“Poor access to HIV testing and good healthcare, as well as pervasive inequality for people most vulnerable to the disease, continue to make the U.S. South an epicenter of today’s AIDS crisis,” said EJAF Chairman David Furnish. “This is particularly true for LGBTQ individuals and Black Americans living in the Southern states. A recent CDC report has projected that, if HIV infection rates remain unchanged, half of all Black gay men will test positive for HIV at some point in their lifetime, as well as one in four Latino gay men, and one in eleven white gay men.  By making these grants, both Foundations commit to relentless advocacy and investment until we see meaningful and lasting change in the course of this epidemic.”

The projects being supported include:

– A Birmingham, Alabama center providing a safe, supportive, and affirming space for LGBTQ youth;

– A Georgia-based advocacy center focused on the impact of HIV/AIDS on young black gay men;

– A Jacksonville, Florida organization providing young LGBT people with access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP);

– A Memphis, Tennessee program supporting the needs of Black gay families; and

– An Atlanta-based community organization engaging transgender people of color, the larger LGBTQ community, and supportive allies to advocate for the end of policies that criminalize HIV/AIDS.

Elizabeth Taylor established The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) in 1991 to support organizations delivering direct care and services to people living with HIV and AIDS, often to the most marginalized populations. Today, ETAF also provides funding for HIV prevention education and advocacy programs throughout the world, including existing organizations creating new and innovative techniques that help spread awareness of HIV prevention and treatment to targeted communities. To date ETAF has granted $17 million to more than 675 organizations in 44 countries and 42 states in the U.S. 

The path that Elizabeth Taylor paved continues through the work of ETAF. She arranged for ETAF to go on in perpetuity with the operating costs paid for by her Trust. Therefore, 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping people affected by HIV/AIDS. To advance the founders’ vision of helping the most marginalized people within the AIDS community, Ms. Taylor’s friends and family are working together as ETAF Ambassadors to help keep the issue of HIV/AIDS top-of-mind for the public. (To learn more or to make a donation, please visit www.elizabethtayloraidsfoundation.org.)

“Far too many people are denied equal rights and equal access to health care in this country, especially in the Southern U.S.  This partnership helps to address the serious inequities that exist in the provision of education, diagnosis, and treatment for the people most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS,” said ETAF Managing Director Joel Goldman. “At The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, we are thrilled to join the Elton John AIDS Foundation to help right this imbalance and address the needs of the hardest-hit areas and populations in the U.S. South.”

“In the 1980s when the AIDS epidemic began, Elizabeth Taylor was the brightest star in Hollywood, one of the greatest celebrities in the world,” said EJAF Founder Sir Elton John. “But she was also willing to get her hands dirty.  She stood up for gay people when few others would, and she got right into the nitty-gritty of AIDS policy and fought for the cause, without a moment’s hesitation or thought for her own reputation.  Elizabeth was my dear friend, and she remains one of my heroes. I am extremely proud of EJAF’s partnership with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation to help carry her great legacy forward.“

For more information, please visit www.ejaf.org. American Airlines is the official airline of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Greg Louganis to Be Honored By Point Foundation

Olympian is the Second Honoree Announced for April 11 Point Honors Gala in New York

The Point Foundation , the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit, will present five-time Olympic medalist Greg Louganis with the Point Legend Award, which recognizes an individual who has achieved greatness in their professional career and unapologetically supported the LGBTQ community. The award will be presented to Louganis at the landmark Fifth Avenue New York Public Library April 11. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.

Greg Louganis (PRNewsFoto/Point Foundation)

“I am deeply honored to be receiving the Point Legend Award this year,” said Louganis. “Point Foundation’s service to help LGBTQ youth overcome all the obstacles, challenges, prejudices that I myself endured is so inspirational. To see these young men and women get the opportunity to obtain higher education degrees truly touches my heart and I am so proud of each of them. I look forward to cheering them on, both scholars and mentors on this very special night.”

The Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society. Point Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training. (www.pointfoundation.org facebook/pointfoundation |twitter/pointfoundation Instagram/pointfoundation| #PointHonors )

Some of Point’s 85 current scholars and 217 alumni will be present at the event to share with the audience their inspiring stories about how they have overcome challenges to get their higher education degrees.

“Greg Louganis is rightfully an icon of perseverance and courage for so many people, as well as a person with a genuine magnanimous spirit,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. “Greg has participated in a number of Point events, and our scholars and alumni are always inspired by what he has to say and the example he has set as an LGBTQ advocate and athlete. With the Summer Olympics fast approaching, it is a fitting time to honor Greg with the Point Foundation Legend Award.”

Pete Nowalk (PRNewsFoto/Point Foundation)

As previously announced, Pete Nowalk, Executive Producer and creator of ABC’s “How to Get Away With Murder” will also be honored at the gala with the Point Leadership Award. Celebrity participants include Michelle Collins, Jack Falahee, Billy Gilman, and Conrad Ricamora. Additional celebrity attendees to be announced.

SPONSORS OF POINT HONORS: 
Presenting Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Premier Sponsors: Hilton Worldwide, HSBC, Janssen Therapeutics, James Cummings and Justin Mohat
Principal sponsors: Citi, Coach, Philippe Brugère-Trélat and Mitchell Draizin
National Media Sponsor: The Advocate and Pride.com
Local Media Sponsor: Gay City News

HOST COMMITTEE: Salman Azhar, MD; Philippe Brugère-Trélat and Mitchell Draizin; Claudia Caine and Linda Naylor; James Cummings and Justin Mohatt; Ron Falcon, MD; Brent Feigenbaum and Frank Morgan; Shelley and Robert Fischel; Herb Hamsher, Jonathan Stoller, Judith Light and Robert Desiderio; Peter D. Lease andEdward J. Wood; Bruce Lindstrom; Michael Mahoney; Clay Petre; Lisa Rosenblum; Ron Rudolph; David Steward and M. Pierre Friedrichs; Richard Ziegelasch and Patrick Campion

New York City’s The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center Launches as the First LGBT-Specific Site on the Google Cultural Institute

Google Street View Brings Keith Haring’s Once Upon A Time Mural And Other Masterpieces Online For All To Enjoy

Launched in late January, over 150 historical artifacts from New York City‘s The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center), (located at 208 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011, +1-212-620-7310), can now be viewed online by people around the world due to a new partnership with the Google Cultural Institute. The Center will launch its collection of exhibits as the first LGBT-specific space featured on the Institute’s growing platform.

Thanks to this new virtual exhibition, users will be able to see The Center’s iconic Keith Haring mural, Once Upon a Time, pieces by David LaChapelle and Barbara Sandler, plus many other Center treasures in just a few clicks at google.com/culturalinstitute. (To learn more about their work, please visit gaycenter.org.)

Established in 1983, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center empowers people to lead healthy, successful lives. The Center celebrates diversity and advocates for justice and opportunity. Each year, The Center welcomes more than 300,000 visits to their building in the West Village neighborhood of Manhattan from people who engage in our life-changing and life-saving activities.

Virtual tour with Street View 
Using the Street View feature, people can move around The Center virtually, selecting works that interest them and clicking to discover more or diving into the high resolution images, where available.

A specially designed Street View “trolley” took 360 degree images of selected spaces which were then stitched together, enabling smooth navigation of over 15 rooms within The Center. Highlights include the ground floor Kaplan Assembly Hall where ACT UP famously originated, the Haring bathroom and The Center’s newly-renovated lobby, featuring a café, cyber center and welcoming information desk.  

Digital exhibits
Specially curated virtual exhibits have been developed for online visitors who can discover five interactive collections, curated by experts at The Center. The digital exhibitions tell the story of the birth of The Center, the early years of the NYC Pride March, how The Center has fostered LGBT arts, activism and culture throughout the years and more.

Some of the most important items of the online exhibition are:

• Keith Haring’s mural, Once Upon A Time, which celebrates male sexual liberation in the days before the AIDS epidemic. 
• Photography of the very first NYC Pride March in 1970. This celebration has grown from 2,000 participants and spectators to over 1.8 million each successive year.
• A snapshot of gay life and leisure from the 1940s, as shown in photos from The Center’s National History Archive.

“We’ve spent the past couple of years renovating our physical space to be the home that LGBT New Yorkers deserve,” said Glennda Testone, Executive Director at The Center. “Now we’re thrilled to partner with the Google Cultural Institute to invite people around the world to experience our building, our history, our home, satisfying their hunger for a connection to the LGBT community and the incredibly rich stories that live within our walls.”

The Google Cultural Institute and its partners are putting the world’s cultural treasures at the fingertips of Internet users and are building tools that allow the cultural sector to share more of its diverse heritage online: Technologies That Make The World’s Culture Accessible To Anyone, Anywhere. Since its inception, The Google Cultural Institute has partnered with more than 1,000 institutions, giving a platform to over 200,000 artworks and a total of 6 million photos, videos, manuscripts and other documents of art, culture and history. Read more here.

 

Barneys New York Returns to Downtown Manhattan With New Flagship Store at Historic Chelsea Location

Barneys New York, the luxury specialty retailer, announced the completion of its new downtown flagship. The opening, earler this week, in Chelsea on 7th Avenue between 16th Street and 17th Street marks the return of the store to the same block that the company was founded on in 1923, and where it maintained an iconic presence through the late 1990’s.  The store will occupy almost an entire city block giving a new presence to the 7th Avenue streetscape, and offering a unique and timeless luxury shopping experience for downtown customers.

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Ground Floor. Photograph by Scott Frances

Designed by award-winning New York-based architectural firm Steven Harris Architects, the new 55,000 square foot flagship, spanning five floors, will include men’s and women’s RTW, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, a Blind Barber barbershop, and a Freds restaurant, with a luxurious and modern aesthetic consistent with the Barneys New York brand.

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Staircase. Photograph by Scott Frances

While Barneys New York returns to its original roots, the architecture, technology, services and overall experience reflect the ever-evolving modern store it has become today.  State of the art technology and mobile applications enhance the selling experience; beauty and shopping services will cater to those who value time as a luxury; and the restaurant is a nod to Freds on Madison Avenue, but with a menu all its own that emphasizes drinks and small plates.  The Downtown flagship will carry the curated and discerning edit of merchandise for which Barneys New York is known, and will reflect a neighborhood luxury shopping experience.  Top designers such as Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent will be available, as well as XO “Exclusively Ours” brands such as Baraboux handbags, and fragrances from Douglas Little.  The Downtown flagship will also launch exclusive capsule collections from Valentino, Alexander Wang, Elder Statesman, and Sidney Garber, among others.  

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City Pictured: Dandy Wellington, Thelma Washington, and Evetta Petty with Ajak Deng. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

“The opening of our new Downtown flagship is a unique homecoming for Barneys New York,” said Barneys New York CEO Mark Lee. “Born as a single brick and mortar location over 90 years ago, Barneys New York returns to the same New York City block as a modern 21st century retail force that will offer the downtown customer a unique and unprecedented customer experience.”

The thriving Madison Avenue flagship will maintain its presence as the largest Barneys New York store and, coupled with the smaller neighborhood stores in Brooklyn and the Upper West Side, further pays homage to the deep-routed relationship between Barneys and New York City.  To celebrate this longstanding bond, Barneys’ Spring 2016 campaign entitled “Our Town,” shot by Bruce Weber, aims to honor the way that New York City continues to inspire the brand as a whole. 

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City REGULATION YOHJI YAMAMOTO Crêpe De Chine Jacket / REGULATION YOHJI YAMAMOTO Twill “Boxer” Shorts Pictured: Female construction workers Priscilla Gibson and Shantar Gibson with Ajak Deng. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

The campaign features both portraits and short films highlighting iconic New Yorkers spanning from notable faces such as Bobby Cannavale, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Yoko Ono, and Patti Smith, to local characters like iconic Italian restaurant Rao’s owner, Frank Pellegrino, and nightlife icon Ladyfag.  The images and films of “Our Town” depict New York through Weber’s eyes, and find the humanity, individuality, and soul of each eccentric character and location, truly showcasing the diversity and beauty of the city. 

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City Pictured: the Angulo brothers from The Wolfpack, from left: Makunda, Eddie, Bhavagan, and Narayana. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/ 

FLAGSHIP DESIGN
The Barneys New York team collaborated with award-winning New York-based architectural firm Steven Harris Architects on the Downtown flagship store, a continuation of the partnership with that began in early 2012 with renovations at the Madison Avenue and Beverly Hills locations.  Under the direction of founding architect Steven Harris and designer Lucien Rees Roberts, the Barneys New York flagships serve as a unique example of retail design for the residential visionaries.  Lalire March Architects serve as the Executive Architect on the project.  

“The store is completely unique compared to any other store downtown.  It is subtle but inordinately luxurious,”said Steven Harris.  “We wanted to create a calm and tranquil environment with a neutral, but richly varied color palate that truly highlights the merchandise.”

The exterior of the Downtown flagship store is defined by the 170 foot stainless steel marquee running along the 7th Avenue façade and wrapping the corner of 16th Street.  The striking store front provides ample space for Barneys’ world-renowned window displays, with two feature windows on 7th Avenue, and three additional windows providing views into the store. 

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Staircase. Photograph by Scott Frances

A central atrium with an exquisite spiral staircase provides views of the adjoining floors and encourages shoppers to discover the space.  The vast sculptural stair connects the lower Foundation level to the third floor, and serves as an ode to the store design of the original Barneys.  The atrium features glass with a custom abstract design of mirrored vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines inspired by Agnes Martin and Fred Sandback.

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Mens Third Floor. Photograph by Scott Frances

The new flagship’s ground level will highlight men’s and women’s leather goods and accessories, as well as women’s fine jewelry.  A volume of black nero marble, carefully placed between the exterior and interior, marks the entry and becomes a dramatic display wall for jewelry.  Mirror polished stainless steel clad columns, evocative of John McCracken‘s work, further open up the space, while hand rubbed brass accents add a level of warmth.  Biomorphic shaped tables made from granite and marble display a curated selection of leather goods and accessories. 

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus To Pay Flamboyant Tribute To Five Decades of British Pop Artists at Annual Big Gay Sing Concert, March 18 – 20

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus today announced that tickets are now on sale for Big Gay Sing®, its annual sing-along extravaganza being held from March 18 – 20 at New York University’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s production is Big Gay Sing: Mind the Gap! celebrating some of the most legendary British artists and pop songs from the past five decades.

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus is a world-class, world-renowned New York institution and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ community and is comprised of more than 260 talented singers of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Together, they produce a vibrant sound and energy that audiences can feel and connect with. Through the power of this sound, and their spectacular performances, we entertain their audiences while being fearless champions for love, equality, and acceptance. Founded in 1980, NYCGMC has formed a strong bond with devoted followers and continues to make lasting connections with new and diverse audiences. The Chorus’s repertoire includes every style from classical to pop, Broadway to gospel, and music from cultures all over the world; and have performed in a wide variety of settings, including special, private, and corporate events, concerts, television appearances, festivals, extensive concert tours in other countries, Broadway/theater productions, conferences, weddings, parties, fundraisers, and community events.

“This year’s Big Gay Sing will be the most fabulous musical love-fest for British pop music that this city has ever seen,” said Charlie Beale, Artistic Director of the NYCGMC and an ex-pat Brit. “Big Gay Sing: Mind the Gap! will be both sensational and surprising—what better way to salute David Bowie, a pop culture genius who has been a huge influence on us over the years,” Beale added.

Big Gay Sing: Mind the Gap! will feature a tribute to Bowie along with arrangements of British chart-toppers by Adele, Spice Girls, Jessie J, Dusty Springfield, Queen, plus many more. “The arrangements, the immensity of the sound, and the sparkle from drag queens and dancers will have you jumping to your feet and your jaw hitting the floor,” Beale commented.

Big Gay Sing, an NYCGMC original concept and now in its eighth year, has become New York’s most fun way to welcome the color and gayness of spring. Its outrageous sing-along format has become so popular that the concept has been franchised to choruses around the US and the world.

“After a long winter, there’s nothing better than an over-the-top spectacle that has you dancing in the aisles and channeling our inner pop diva,” said Jason Sirois, Board Chair of Big Apple Performing Arts, the home of NYCGMC. “The mission of NYCGMC is to champion acceptance, equality, and sensational music. Big Gay Sing demonstrates that we are just as fabulous performing in g-strings as we are in tuxes,” Sirois added.

Big Apple Performing Arts (561 Seventh Ave, Suite 803, New York, NY 10018, Phone: 212-344-1777) is the non-profit management company for the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus and Youth Pride Chorus. With over thirty years of history, innovative programs, and service to the LGBTQ community, Big Apple Performing Arts is renowned for producing legendary performances, commissioning new works, and taking a leading role in the movement for social justice. From Carnegie Hall to City Hall, from the AIDS crisis to the struggle for marriage equality, as well as today’s gender and identity politics, the choruses of BAPA have been leaders and activists in the New York City community since 1980.

Big Gay Sing: Mind the Gap! will be performed at New York University‘s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts at 8pm Friday March 18 and Saturday March 19, with a matinee performance on Sunday March 20. Tickets are now available here or by visiting nycgmc.org.

Arts News: QUEER/ART/MENTORSHIP Announces Its 2015-2016 Fellowship Winners

ELEVEN EMERGING ARTISTS SELECTED FOR YEAR LONG PROGRAM

Queer/Art/Mentorship, the multi-disciplinary, inter-generational arts program that pairs and supports mentorship between emerging and established LGBTQI artists in NYC, has announced today the eleven Fellows accepted for its 2015-2016 Annual Mentorship Cycle.  

Each of the Queer/Art/Mentorship Fellows selected (above) is paired with an established New York-based artist within their creative field for the yearlong mentorship. The relationship that develops aims to support the artistic and professional practice of the Fellow, as well as to develop community-wide conversations about what it means to generate and curate queer work in New York City and beyond.

The Fellows chosen in five artistic disciplines are Monstah Black, Eva Peskin and Justine Williams in Performance; Jacob Matkov and Brendan Williams-Childs in Literary; Rodrigo Bellott, Erin Greenwell and Mylo Mendez in Film; Caroline Wells Chandler and Doron Langberg in Visual Arts; and Hugh Ryan in Curatorial.

The Mentors they will be working with for the 2015-2016 Fellowship year are Arthur Aviles and Talvin Wilks in Performance; Jaime Manrique and Sarah Schulman in Literary; Thomas Allen Harris, Silas Howard and Stacie Passon in Film; Angela Dufresne and Avram Finkelstein in Visual Arts; and Shannon Michael Cane in Curatorial.

The 2015-2016 Queer/Art/Mentorship Fellows are:

Rodrigo Bellott was born in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. His breakout film, Sexual Dependency, won over 15 awards in over 65 film festivals around the world and was also Bolivia’s first film competing for “Best Foreign Language Film” at the 2004 Academy Awards. VARIETY magazine named Bellott as one of the “TOP TEN Latin American Talents to Watch”. Bellott will be working with Mentor, filmmaker Silas Howard on the film adaptation of his play Tu Me Manques, that explores contemporary queer identity in the moment of historical change in contrast with the current situations in other parts of the world.

Monstah Black is a multi-disciplinary performing artist and educator and has accumulated numerous awards including the Tom Murrine Performance Award and the BRIC Media Arts Fellowship. He has taught and performed internationally with various dance companies as well as with his own work. He is currently working on a dance film project called “Cotton” sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts. Monstah will be working with Mentor, dancer and choreographer Arthur Aviles on a performance project entitled HYPERBOLIC!.

Caroline Wells Chandler is a MFA recipient in painting at the Yale School of Art where he was awarded the Ralph Mayer Prize for proficiency in materials and techniques. With shows nationally and internationally, Chandler’s latest body of work entitled “The Best Little Whore House in Texas” opens this fall at the Roberto Paradise Gallery in San Juan, PR. Chandler will be working with Mentor, visual artist Angela Dufresne on a series of crocheted figurative works and resin paintings.

Erin Greenwell wrote and directed the feature film My Best Day, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. Her other directing endeavors include Oh Come On, a punk DIY performance video for Kathleen Hanna’s band The Julie Ruin and The Golden Age of Hustlers,  featuring Justin Vivian Bond‘s remake of the iconic song written by legendary punk chanteuse Bambi Lake. In 2006, Greenwell formed Smithy Productions, a production company, with the aim of cultivating talents from the queer/independent art community under the umbrella of narrative and documentary storytelling. Greenwell will be working with Mentor, director and screenwriter Stacie Passon to develop her narrative feature length script, The Flight Deck, based on the butch/femme lesbian bar scene in Buffalo, NY during the 1950s.

Tom Of Finland Homoerotic Artwork Featured On New Special Edition Line of One® Condoms

FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PRODUCT WILL DEBUT THIS WEEKEND AT FOLSOM STREET FAIR IN SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair, hailed as “the world’s biggest leather event,” will get even bigger this weekend with the world premiere of Tom of Finland condoms from ONE®. The special edition condoms, with foils featuring 24 of the late artist’s original drawings, are packaged in ONE’s signature round wrappers and are available in two popular ONE® product styles – Super Sensitive(TM) and Legend(TM) – in 12-packs, 24-packs, and bowls of 100 from www.onecondoms.com/tof.

The new Tom of Finland condoms will also be available for sale at the Foundation’s exhibit booth at the Folsom Street Fair on Sunday, September 27.

Tom of Finland Condoms from ONE(R). (PRNewsFoto/Global Protection Corp.)

The Tom of Finland condom line is part of a series of collaborations between ONE® and prominent artists who are committed to using their work to promote sexual health and other causes. Gay and bisexual men are more severely affected by HIV infection than any other group in the U.S. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control, only 16 percent of men report consistent use of condoms when having sex with other men.

Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen, Finnish, 1920-1991) is widely considered the most influential creator of homoerotic art. Now, through an exclusive partnership between ONE® and Tom of Finland Foundation, condom wrappers featuring his internationally renowned work will help promote safer sex.

A portion of all sales of the condoms will support the Foundation in its mission to preserve the artist’s legacy and protect the work and careers of erotic artists worldwide.

“Our partnership with Tom of Finland Foundation is a natural fit for ONE, a brand committed to art and self-expression,” said Davin Wedel, president and CEO of Global Protection Corp., parent company of ONE®. “The iconic, provocative artwork of Tom of Finland embodies the strength and boldness we strive for in all of our products. It’s truly an honor to bring his work to life in this innovative way.“

Tom of Finland Condoms from ONE(R): Available in Super Sensitive and Legend styles, 12-pack, 24-pack, and bowls of 100. (PRNewsFoto/Global Protection Corp.)

Tom of Finland established the Foundation in 1984 with his partner, Durk Dehner, who serves as its president today. Dehner noted that during the 1980s, at the height of the AIDS crisis, the artist began including condoms in his drawings to help curb the epidemic.

“The ONE brand shares the Foundation’s commitment to promoting healthier attitudes about sexuality,” said Dehner. “Tom of Finland was dubbed ‘the Michelangelo of safe sex,’ promoting sexual health, particularly among gay men.“

ONE(R) Condoms logo. (PRNewsFoto/Global Protection Corp.)

Launched in 2004, ONE® strives to increase condom usage and facilitate conversations about sexual health through state-of-the-art design and manufacturing, customer engagement, and social responsibility. A leading brand of premium condoms and lubricants, ONE® is distinctive with its signature round shape and unique, impactful artwork. ONE® is a member of the Global Protection Corp.(®) family of sexual health products. Join their community at onecondoms.com because Together, We Are One.

The Tom of Finland Foundation is a nonprofit organization and Educational Archive, co-founded by Tom of Finland (Touko Laaksonen) and Durk Dehner in 1984. It is supported by donations from the public, fundraising events, dues from its membership programs and commercial applications of Tom’s art.

Tom of Finland Foundation‘s mission is to protect, preserve and promote the works of Tom of Finland and his fellow erotic artists. The Permanent Collection houses more than 1,500 original works by Tom and another 2,000 works by hundreds of other artists, and the archives, with well over 100,000 images, documents, and records, together comprise the world’s largest repository of erotic art. More information: tomoffinlandfoundation.org.

HIV & AIDS in the United States Update: National HIV Testing Day June 27

Each year on June 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) observe National HIV Testing Day. On this day, the agency unite with partners, health departments, and other organizations to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and early diagnosis of HIV. You, too, can help to encourage HIV testing on National HIV Testing Day and every day by ensuring people get tested for HIV, know their status, and get linked to the proper care and treatment services.

This year, Act Against AIDS Instagram will launch the week of June 22 in support of National HIV Testing Day. Act Against AIDS (AAA) is an initiative launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The White House to combat complacency about HIV and AIDS in the United States. Launched in 2009, Act Against AIDS focuses on raising awareness among all Americans and reducing the risk of infection among the hardest-hit populations – gay and bisexual men, African Americans, Latinos, and other communities at increased risk.

Act Against AIDS consists of several concurrent HIV prevention campaigns and uses mass media (TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and the Internet) to deliver important HIV prevention messages. All campaigns support the comprehensive HIV prevention efforts of CDC and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS). Act Against AIDS also supports the Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), a network of national-level organizations that focus on African Americans, black men who have sex with men (MSM), and the Latino community.

National HIV Testing Day is a reminder to get the facts, get tested, and get involved to take care of yourself and your partners. An estimated 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and that number grows by almost 50,000 every year. One in seven people who have HIV don’t know it. That means they aren’t getting the medical care they need to stay healthy and avoid passing HIV to others.

The CDC has found that more than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the United States could be prevented by testing and diagnosing people who have HIV and ensuring they receive prompt, ongoing care and treatment. Early linkage to and retention in HIV care is central to managing HIV and promoting health among all people living with HIV. HIV medicines can keep people with HIV healthy for many years, and greatly reduce the chance of transmitting HIV to their sex partners.

But before we can stop any epidemic, we first have to recognize the magnitude of the disease. HIV is still a threat across the United States. And even though there are treatments to help people with HIV live longer than ever before, AIDS is still a significant health issue. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means that once you have HIV, you have it for life.

No safe and effective cure currently exists, but scientists are working hard to find one, and remain hopeful. Meanwhile, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Treatment for HIV is often called antiretroviral therapy or ART, which can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV and lower their chance of infecting others. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can have a nearly normal life expectancy.

HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS. Learn more about the stages of HIV and how to tell whether you’re infected.

Getting an HIV test is the only way to know if you have HIV. Getting tested can give you some important information and can help keep you—and others—safe. For example,

• Knowing your HIV status can give you peace of mind—and testing is the only way you can know your HIV status for sure.
• When you and your partner know each other’s HIV status, you can make informed decisions about your sexual behaviors and how to stay safe.
• If you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, knowing your status can help protect your baby from becoming infected.
• If you find out you are HIV-positive, you can start taking medicine for your HIV. Getting treated for HIV improves your health, prolongs your life, and greatly lowers your chance of spreading HIV to others.
• If you know you are HIV-positive, you can take steps to protect your sex partners from becoming infected.

The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care, and that people with certain risk factors get tested more often. People with more than one sex partner, people with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and people who inject drugs are likely to be at high risk and should get tested at least once a year. Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from even more frequent testing, depending on their risk. To protect your own health, you should also get tested if you have been sexually assaulted.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the CDC recommends HIV testing with each pregnancy, both for your own benefit and to reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to your baby.

The immune system usually takes 3 to 8 weeks to make antibodies against HIV, but tests differ in how early they are able to detect antibodies. Although most HIV tests look for these antibodies, some look for the virus itself. The period after infection but before the test becomes positive is called the window period.

Deciding when to get tested therefore depends on when you may have been exposed and which test is used. You can ask your health care provider about the window period for the HIV test you are taking. If you are using a home test, you can get that information from the materials included in the packaging of the test.

A few people will have a longer window period, so if you get a negative antibody test result in the first 3 months after possible exposure, you should get a repeat test after 3 months. Ninety-seven percent of people will develop antibodies in the first 3 months after they are infected. In very rare cases, it can take up to 6 months to develop antibodies to HIV.

Knowing your HIV status gives you the power to control your health and your future. And getting tested has never been easier. You can ask your health care provider to test you for HIV. Many medical clinics, substance abuse programs, community health centers, and hospitals offer HIV testing. Testing is often free of charge. You can also:

• Visit GetTested and enter your ZIP code.
• Text your ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948), and you will receive a text back with a testing site near you.
• Call 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) to ask for free testing sites in your area.
• Contact your local health department.
• Get a home testing kit (the Home Access HIV-1 Test System or the OraQuick In-Home HIV Test) from a drugstore.

See Basic Testing Q&As for more information.

Ultimately, HIV testing is only one step. We can all do something to help stop HIV. Here are some ideas about how you and your friends can get involved.

• Share your knowledge of HIV or your personal HIV story with others. One of the best ways to increase awareness is through a personal connection with others. Participants featured in CDC’s HIV awareness campaign Let’s Stop HIV Together, shared their voices and personal stories to raise HIV awareness, reduce stigma, and champion the power of relationships in the personal and public fight to stop HIV.
• Use social media to increase HIV awareness. Follow @TalkHIV and tweet about National HIV Testing Day using ‪ #‎NHTD. You can also like Act Against AIDS on Facebook and create your own Let’s Stop HIV Together meme. Share your ad and encourage others to do the same.
• Support people living with HIV. Have an open, honest conversation about staying safe and healthy. Listen to the challenges that people living with HIV face and provide support for their special needs.
• Volunteer in your community. The first step to getting involved in HIV prevention is to contact your local AIDS service organizations and/or community health departments. These groups can help identify opportunities or other organizations that may need the support of volunteers .

In addition, CDC’s Act Against AIDS (en Español ) campaign materials promote HIV awareness and testing in high-risk populations.

• Let’s Stop HIV Together is a general-awareness campaign to reduce stigma by urging everyone to “Get the facts. Get tested. Get involved.”
• Start Talking. Stop HIV. encourages gay and bisexual men to communicate about testing and other HIV prevention issues.
• Reasons/Razones (en Español ) promotes HIV testing among gay and bisexual Hispanic/Latino men.
• Testing Makes Us Stronger encourages African American gay and bisexual men to get tested for HIV.
• Take Charge. Take the Test. encourages African American women to get tested for HIV.
• One Test. Two Lives. focuses on ensuring that all women are tested for HIV early in their pregnancy.