15 Years of Inspiring Change

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Art for AIDS International is excited to share that we have entered our 15th year as a charitable organization. Through education and encouragement in workshops spanning across 11 countries, over 15 000 students have taken part to make a positive and creative impact in the global response to HIV and AIDS through art.

Since 2001, over $1 million has been raised to support women and children affected by HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. In honour of this milestone and in celebration of all the special moments, we will be posting a selection of the favourite collages from the past 15 years.

Thank you to all those that have supported us over the years, and made these milestones possible. We look forward to many more.


An Art for AIDS International Experience

Being new to the Art for AIDS International organization, when I was given the opportunity of taking part in a workshop I couldn’t wait. Walking around the gallery and seeing the amazing artwork hung up, I wondered how all of these young people could make such beautiful work. While I had heard the main idea about the workshops, I still had no idea what to expect.

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It was a morning and no one knew each other that well, so we were all rather quiet.  We listened attentively as Hendrikus told us his story and more about Art for AIDS International. When it came our turn to talk about our own personal experiences is when we began to open up. What Hendrikus had done was create a safe space where everyone was on an equal playing field. Conversation flowed, and we were able to talk about all sorts of topics – from social inequality and discrimination, to the American presidential candidates. It was this openness that gave me the confidence to make my own artwork, and be proud of it as well.

 

 

 

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Taking part in an Art for AIDS International workshop helped me to not only understand the mission of the organization in general, but understand why it is so important. I think many people distance themselves from problems of HIV and AIDS in other countries because they seem far away – they are not affecting our lives here. What we now understand is that people all over the world are faced with problems of low self-esteem and inequality. Being able to have a space where these issues can be talked about freely made an impact in my realization of my inhibitions, and I can’t imagine what it is doing for others.


Exhibit Showcasing Works from Local London Students

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we introduce our new exhibit showcasing the artwork created by students at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts.

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The exhibit displaying their unique pieces will be going on from December 8th, 2015- January 15th, 2016, on our second floor gallery at One London Place.

Below are some samples of the work produced by the students.

 

We hope to see many of you there!


Thank you Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts

 

 

Art for AIDS International would like to extend their gratitude to Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts for holding and participating in workshops for the fourth year in a row. Thank you to the staff and students who took part in the two workshops held throughout the first week of November.

Artists behind December's Lester B. Pearson School for the Art's exhibit

 

The unique and beautiful student created pieces will be on display in an exhibit held throughout the month of December.

We look forward to many more workshops in the years to come.


Exciting New Collection from South Africa: Exhibit Coming Soon

We are very happy to share with you some samples of the beautiful  new pieces of art work that were produced earlier this month in South Africa.  Art for AIDS International thanks the staff and students at Seeds of Light Orphanage, Shobianya High School, Buffelshoek High SchoolLowveld Academy, Southern Cross School, New Dawn Arts Centre and all who participated in the Train the Trainer workshop in Acornhoek.

You can see for yourself the talent and passion for art in these young participants.   Art for AIDS International plans to return to South Africa in the near future for an exhibit of this impressive body of work.  There will be an exhibit in Canada as well in late November.  We hope to see many of you there.


33 Students at Southern Cross School

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Lots of happy smiles at Art for AIDS International's second workshop of the day today at South Cross School, Hoedspruit.  Thank you for your enthusiasm!


Busy Morning with New Friends at Lowveld Academy

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Students were very busy searching for images to use in their collages.  It is a very personal selection process.  They seem eager to get started.

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Two new friends who wanted a picture with Executive Director, Hendrikus Bervoets.  Many thanks to the students and teachers at Lowveld Academy in Hoedspruit for the hospitality.


Visiting Some Artists in Africa

In Limpopo, South Africa, we found some artists hard at work supporting their families with beautiful artwork created on looms.

It was wonderful to bring a few small items back to Canada as a reminder of these hard-working visionaries.


New Dawn Arts Centre

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Sharing a message of hope and the value of life with young workshop students in Acornhoek, South Africa.

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Learning about how art can carry a message of social justice.  Also getting some ideas for their own masterpieces.NewDawn6

 

Many thanks to all our new friends for the warm welcome!

 


Inspiring Train the Trainer workshop

Train the Trainer workshops are a very special way that Art for AIDS International hopes to make it possible for many more workshops to happen in parts of the world that need them the most.  Also, it is our goal to have culturally appropriate facilitators for the communities we seek to serve.

 

This past weekend a workshop for potential new facilitators was held at the New Dawn Arts Center in Acornhoek, South Africa.  Participants included two doctors who have been treating HIV and AIDS patients for many years.  NewDawn2 NewDawn3 NewDawn4 NewDawn5