For almost a decade, Art for AIDS International has been hosting visual art workshops to educate young people about HIV and to engage them in the global AIDS response. After over 300 workshops with over 10,000 young people in 7 countries, Art for AIDS has begun to feature and sell this powerful body of student art in their new online gallery and shop with all proceeds supporting women and children affected by HIV and AIDS in Africa. [Disclaimer: I am a long-time volunteer, supporter, and board member of Art for AIDS International].
A quick overview of Art for AIDS International
Art for AIDS International was founded in 2001 by two Canadian artists, Hendrikus Bervoets and Rudolf Bikkers. The original concept was to to invite a group of 25 artists to produce a portfolio, entitled Artists International Direct Support, that would be exhibited and sold to raise funds for organisations in Southern Africa that were supporting a growing population of children who had been orphaned as a result of AIDS.
In 2004, the London District Catholic School Board invited Art for AIDS to introduce a number of high schools to the portfolio, and to host art workshops with their students as a novel way to teach them about the impact of HIV and AIDS in their own community and abroad.
Since 2004, Art for AIDS has focused on continuing to engage young people through art in schools across Canada, and increasingly around the world. The artwork produced by students (now consisting of over 10,000 images) is exhibited and sold with funds supporting a growing number of community organisations across Africa supporting women and children affected by AIDS.
Online Gallery and Shop
While this student artwork has been exhibited in schools, galleries, and in festivals around the world, including major exhibits at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, the World Food Programme HQ in Rome, and twice at the Education International World Congress in Berlin and Capetown, this is the first time a large body has been available to view and purchase online.
All the limited-edition prints exhibited online cost $30 Canadian (approx 23 EUR, 18 GBP, 250 ZAR) with proceeds supporting some incredible organisations working in Southern Africa to ease the burden of HIV and AIDS in the region.
Please visit the gallery at: http://www.artforaidsinternational.org/shop/ and tell your friends.
