One year ago today, this whole crazy project started and it started because of a promise I made to someone 13 years ago, today. I took a step, not knowing what path would be before me. It was a leap of faith. With guidance, love, patience and a bevy of wonderful people along the way, we have made it through our first year.
I am amazed and humbled at how far we have come and I am reminded every day of how far we still have to go before we can eliminate the stigmas and stereotypes associated with HIV and AIDS.
We have worked with some incredible organizations, met so many inspiring people, heard a lot of stories and took small steps in confronting HIV stigma.
Our first fundraiser and community event was an unbelievable successful raising money for our cause and two other local AIDS service organizations. We were lucky enough to have pieces from Jae Hanson’s Survivors Exhibit as well as several other local artists.
We have made so many friends and found open doors everywhere we have turned. And now, one year to the day, we have some of our biggest news yet to share with our friends out there.
We are partnering with Laced Banana, a non-profit organization based in Manchester, UK, to bring the first stories of The arcHIVe project to the stage. Our scene of 4-5 stories interwoven will debut on World AIDS Day, December 1st. We will continue to work with them to develop an age-appropriate workshop that can be brought to schools to educate youth on the realities of HIV and AIDS that can be implemented in the United Kingdom as well as the United States.
From the get go, we have said that education and art are central to our mission and that we believe art has an incredible ability to reach, educate and inspire dialog and action. We are very excited to announce, on our one year anniversary, that The arcHIVe project is taking a huge step forward in utilizing this important medium to change the face of HIV throughout the world.
Thank you to all of those who have lent their time, their support and their voice to this project. You are not only helping to educate others and bring more art into this world, you are helping me keep that promise I made 13 years ago. That, on a more personal note, means everything to me.
Only wonderful things lie ahead and we are thrilled to have you along on our journey.