Art for AIDS International is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds and awareness for those most affected by the HIV and AIDS pandemic, specifically the women and children of sub-Saharan Africa. By engaging students through art and HIV and AIDS awareness workshops, Art for AIDS International fosters a perspective of hope and passion for tomorrow’s leaders while providing direct support to not-for-profit organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Founded in 2001, Art for AIDS International is a Canadian charity with headquarters in London, Ontario.
When Art for AIDS International 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.
To change this, we began hosting straightforward and engaging 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. During the workshops participants experience the therapeutic effects of creating 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.
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, and online.
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 epidemic throughout Africa.