West Hollywood AIDS Monument to include personal stories from residents

West Hollywood AIDS Monument

This artist’s rendering shows an early concept of the AIDS monument that is scheduled to be built in West Hollywood Park by 2020. Photo: Foundation for the AIDS Monument.

WEST HOLLYWOOD — People who have experienced sorrow, loss, hope, or courage as a result of HIV/AIDS are encouraged to share their memories, which will be used as part of an AIDS monument that will be built in West Hollywood Park.

West Hollywood and greater Los Angeles residents can submit their stories at www.aidsmonument.org/stories.

‘SHARE THEIR STORIES’

“It’s been 35 years since the word AIDS was used for the first time,” West Hollywood Mayor John J. Duran said. “Since that time, we have witnessed countless stories of pain, sorrow, and loss as well as incredible hope, strength, and courage.

“We know that many people living in the City of West Hollywood and in the greater Los Angeles area have their own personal stories about how HIV/AIDS has impacted their lives. We encourage them to share their stories so no one will be forgotten,” Duran said.

These stories will be shared with Daniel Tobin, the artist who will design “Stories: The AIDS Monument,” who will incorporate them into the piece and ultimately archive them to preserve the remembrances of those affected by the AIDS epidemic.

About 650,000 Americans have died from AIDS and complications of the disease. That’s more than the total U.S. deaths in World Wars I and II combined.

AIDS MONUMENT COST

The monument, scheduled to be completed by 2020, is projected to cost $4.2 million. The Foundation for the AIDS Monument said it has raised $3.6 million to cover the $3.1 million estimated design, fabrication, and installation costs.

The City of West Hollywood will spend $1.2 million on site preparation, among other costs.

Design development is scheduled for completion at the end of the summer. At that time, an updated project cost will be released.

The monument is “imagined as a place for the community to gather, reflect and remember the devastating impact AIDS had on our communities and continue to inspire AIDS awareness and activism in future generations,” Tobin said.

About the author

Beatriz E. Valenzuela

Beatriz E. Valenzuela is an award-winning journalist who’s covered breaking news in Southern California since 2006 and has been on the front lines of national and international news events. She also covers all things nerd, including comic book culture and video games. She’s an amateur obstacle course racer, constant fact-checker, mother of three, and lover of all things geek.

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