Great Wall of Art to bring awareness about HIV/AIDS

New Delhi, May 15 : The power of art will be used to produce a 130 feet long and 5 feet wide canvas - 'The Great Wall of Art'- on the theme of HIV/AIDS and sexual health to create awareness about the disease, bring hope and ensure a dignified living and equal opportunities for HIV/AIDS patients.

The canvas would be created with the help and support from the individuals and communities as part of the 'Art for Life' (A4L) initiative launched today to communicate the messages and spread awareness about HIV AIDS, health and human rights through paintings, drama and music.

The Center for Human Progress (CHP) is hosting 'Art for Life' in association with NACO, UNAIDS, UNDP, MASA and many more such organizations to create awareness and to educate people about HIV/AIDS for the betterment of the society. The campaign is being initiated and supported by young enthusiast, communities and peers like Kinnar Bharati, Ngathal Youth Club, MSM and organisations like NAZ Foundation.

Dr Ash Pachauri, the founder and director of CHP says, ''Our prime aim is to exhibit art as a powerful medium of communication for messages related to HIV, health and human rights. Subsequently this event will also brings together various communities on a single platform to showcase their creative talents, like music, dance, puppetry, theatre in order to stimulate dialogue about HIV, sexual health, sexuality, human rights with respect to those affected by HIV/AIDS and these mainstream issues.'' The canvas would travel around the NCR region and other major Indian cities inviting everybody to contribute to the messages on HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights using various forms of visual art.

''We are looking to exhibit The Great Wall on World Aids Day on December 1. Eventually it will find itself a permanent and prominent place in the city-scape of Delhi,'' the CHP said.