The HIV Arts Network will present an all-day conference Oct. 25, titled "Coping Strategies in the Arts: Artists Respond to HIV/AIDS" at the Mark Goodson Theatre in New York.

The conference is sponsored in part by Actor's Fund of America, Dancers Responding to AIDS, Positive Music & People With AIDS Coalition/NY and will run from 9 AM to 4:30 PM.

The aim of the conference is to have artists and performers come together and share valuable experiences in coping with grief and maintaining creative and professional skills as well as providing an opportunity for networking.

Featured in the program are keynote speeches by celebrated members of the arts community and panel discussions on such topics as Living and Working with HIV; Traditional and Holistic Medicine; Caregiving, Surviving Loss and New Frontiers in HIV. The conference will also feature performers presenting songs, dances and readings.

The event is free and those interested in attending should contact Doneley Meris at (212) 385-4945. -- By Katia Lundy