“Art, and specifically collage making, is one of the easiest ways to produce a good piece of artwork… Specifically for students in sub-Saharan Africa, it is a very therapeutic way to deal with grief and their emotions”
Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with Hendrikus Bervoets, the founder of Art for AIDS International, to speak about his plans for the 10th Anniversary of the organization and to hear of any new initiatives that Western students could get involved in.
Art for AIDS International is partnered with schools all over the world and local grassroots programs in South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe to fight HIV/AIDS. Students create and donate brilliant collages that can be purchased online or at the gallery in London to benefit women and children in sub-Saharan Africa who are affected by the virus.
In celebration of their 10th anniversary, Art for AIDS International has launched a new initiative called “The Power of Ten,” which is a collection of collages from the gallery’s first portfolios. On World AIDS Day, December 1st, students are invited to APK Live at Wellington and York to join in “The Power of Ten,” where for a $10 cover, everyone can enjoy live music and the special opportunity to take home a print of their choice.
If you are not able to attend the event on December 1st, you can still visit the gallery at 242 Dundas St. on November 27th to pick out a print, or maybe ten… The collages make great gifts for the holidays, just saying.
The MITSC will be selling bracelets for World AIDS Day at APK Live so if you are interested in getting a ticket ahead of time, please see the MIT/MTP/MPI Facebook page or contact your Charity Commissioner, Paula Brent: pbrent@uwo.ca. Tickets will also be available at the door. For more information on Art for AIDS International, visit their website: www.artforaidsinternational.org.
