At Art for AIDS International, our goal is to educate people about HIV and AIDS and encourage them to play an active and creative role in the global AIDS response through art. We do this by:
Engaging Young People
When Art for AIDS was founded, it was clear that young people in many parts of the world lacked the voice and support to drive real change in the AIDS response. Despite this, it was clear that any effective change could only stem from the passion, energy, and creativity of young people. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who noticed:
Young people are the key in the fight against AIDS. By giving them the support they need, we can empower them to protect themselves against the virus. By giving them honest and straightforward information, we can break the circle of silence across all society. By creating effective campaigns for education and prevention, we can turn young people’s enthusiasm, drive and dreams for the future into powerful tools for tackling the epidemic. – Kofi Annan, Former United Nations Secretary-General
Getting Creative
To change this, we began hosting honest and passionate workshops with students that use a combination of fact-based knowledge sharing, experiential learning, peer-peer support, and art making to explore specific and sensitive aspects of risk and vulnerability, especially as they relate to HIV. Visit our Workshops page for a full list of previous workshop locations!
During the workshops participants translate their insights into the production of original collage artwork. Each collage is then produced as original machine-made limited edition prints that are signed and numbered, and collaboratively make up a portfolio unique to that school.
Sharing the Work
After the portfolios are complete, the artwork is exhibited and sold in schools, and throughout the local and global community at special events, in galleries and museums, at concerts (and online). During these events, many of which are run by young people, Art for AIDS has an opportunity to multiply its message to reach the broader public, and sell the prints.
Supporting More Good Work
With the funds raised by hosting workshops, and selling prints, we are able to not only continue to host workshops with young people around the world, but support select initiatives directly that provide care and support for women and children affected by HIV and AIDS in some of the communities hardest hit by the pandemic throughout Africa.
