Art That Heals, Inc., will be joining forces with other Rio Grande Valley organizations and persons in observing World AIDS Day--always held on on December 1.
There is usually a yearly theme; however, the UN has established a two-year theme for 2002--2003:
Stigma and Discrimination.
Art That Heals, Inc., will be sponsoring "A Day Without Art" events throughout the Valley--with the help of other agencies and persons--to symbolize the actual art, the talent, and the inspiration for art which has been lost each time the world has lost someone to AIDS.
What would the world do without art?
Art is all around us.
"A Day Without Art" is an opportunity for the world to take notice: AIDS has killed many artists--actors, singers, painters, sculptors, dancers, etc. . . .
"A Day Without Art" will be held in conjunction with other observances, such as candlelight vigils and prayer services and is not meant to replace these but to enhance the public's awareness of the enormity of the loss a whole culture or society feels at the loss of even one artist--of whatever genre.
Because of AIDS, the world, including South Texas, has lost many artists or the people who inspired many artists. We will attempt to bring that fact to life; but our efforts will only be successful if the community assists us., which is in tune with our emphasis on grassroots community programming.
We will ask all interested persons responsible for museums, art galleries, and the like, to cover up art during December 1st. (This would be more significant than closing altogether; however, if that were the case, we'd encourage the locale to place a sign outside their door stating the place is closed because it is "A Day Without Art," or something to that effect.)
Also, we will ask that other forms of art and artists join us in a moment of silence.
For example, we will ask radio stations to go off the air for a minute (or for several minutes throughout the day) to symbolize the loss of musicians and art talents and/or inspirational figures due to AIDS.
Such radio or TV silence will hopefully be followed by a brief explanation for the "silence" as a symbol of "A Day Without Art".
Likewise, we will ask dance academies to close, OR to invite ART THAT HEALS, INC, or perhaps a partner of our organization to speak at their school about the day's significance.
Another example of what we are hoping to accomplish is convincing piano and guitar teachers to shut down for the day, or asking school art teachers of all forms to show a movie about AIDS or to invite a guest speaker . . . or simply sit and chat about what a day . . . JUST ONE DAY . . . without art means, etc.
"A Day Without Art" events and observances will be preceeded in November by a fundraiser involving artists of all forms.
Stigma and discrimination are the major obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Fear of discrimination may prevent people from seeking treatment for AIDS or from acknowledging their HIV status publicly.
People with, or suspected of having, HIV may be turned away from health care services, denied housing and employment, shunned by their friends and colleagues, turned down for insurance coverage or refused entry into foreign countries. In some cases, they may be evicted from home by their families, divorced by their spouses, and suffer physical violence or even murder.
The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS may extend into the next generation, placing an emotional burden on children who may also be trying to cope with the death of their parents from AIDS.
With its focus on stigma and discrimination, the Campaign will encourage people to break the silence and the barriers to effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Only by confronting stigma and discrimination will the fight against HIV/AIDS be won."
Tell your Friends
About Us!
The theme for world AIDS day 2002 is Stigma and Discrimination. Each year there is a particular theme chosen for World AIDS Day, and for the last fourteen years the themes have been as follows:
World AIDS Day--Related Links
United Nation's AIDS Programme
Avert AIDS
A Christian Response to AIDS
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