World AIDS Day: Day With(Out) Art

Beginning in 1989, artists and arts professionals have recognized December 1 as Day Without Art (DWA) in response to the global AIDS crisis. In the past, museums where I've worked have covered key collection pieces with black drapery, dimmed the lights in the galleries for the first hour of public admissions, and provided special programs. For the 20th anniversary of DWA, also World AIDS Day, museums are continuing to honor and mourn the effects of AIDS on the arts community. The Metropolitan Museum of Art will drape or remove works in their collection as well as tie black ribbons around the vases in the Great Hall on Tuesday, December 2, since they are not open on Mondays.