An innovative photographic exhibit that chronicles the individual acts of optimism and resistance amid the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Opening night presentation by Dr. Aben Ngay.

Monday, May 17, 2004
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Pacific Design Center
8687 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069

This dynamic exhibit chronicles the individual acts of optimism and resistance amidst the HIV/AIDS pandemic.  Dr. Aben Ngay, a champion at the forefront of the fight against HIV/AIDS, helps develop educational programs and models for CARE to raise awareness among vulnerable populations, including orphans.  He will give a presentation, followed by a reception and tour of the exhibit. 

According to CARE:

"The goal of the HIV positive exhibition is to raise awareness in the Los Angeles area of CARE's unique programming in HIV/AIDS, as a part of our overall mission in fighting global poverty.  The exhibit displays images that break through the statistics to humanize the efforts of Africans coping with the AIDS crisis.  By focusing on individual acts of courage, the photographs demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit and our collective capacity for change.

The purpose of the photo exhibit is to attract new supporters and strengthen the commitment of current donors.  This event is an opportunity to engage CARE donors and supporters in local activities, particularly those interested in the HIV/AIDS sector.

BACKGROUND:

CARE -- one of the world's largest development and humanitarian organizations, collaborated with PhotoSensitive -- a group of distinguished Canadian photojournalists, to create an exhibit that puts a human face on the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa with particular emphasis on Zambia.  HIV/AIDS is one of the three priority program areas in which CARE can make significant global contributions.  With more than 55 years of experience assisting communities to addresss development challenges and improve their livelihoods, CARE is uniquely positioned to tackle the pandemic.  CARE approaches the pandemic from a developmental standpoint, strengthening the capacity of communitieis to develop and implement their own holistic HIV/AIDS response, while encouraging a multi-sectoral approach that deals with the epidemic at the core.

The exhibit is divided into five chapters with ten photographs in each.  The chapters are as follows: Introduction, Crisis, Courage, Hope, and Future.

PARTNERSHIP:

For this exhibit, CARE is partnering with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), whose mission is to provide funding for educational programs targeted at HIV/AIDS prevention and the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against affected individuals.  Through ten years of dedication to raise awareness and resources as president of EJAF, John Scott has also used photography to document HIV/AIDS from his personal experiences.  John Scott started the Elton John AIDS Foundation with Sir Elton John in 1992.  In 2000, he visited South Africa, Botswana and Kenya touring and photographing projects funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, some of which will be displayed in the exhibition."

Doris Chirwa, CARE's HIV/AIDS specialist in Zambia:   "I have hope with every part of my being," she says.  "It won't be in a short period of time -- we have had so much devastation that we well be dealing with the after-effects for years, but there will come a time when our grandchildren will talk about HIV/AIDS and what we did to stop it'"

Free, but RSVP is essential in order to accommodate everyone. Call 415-781-1585 to RSVP. Parking is available in lot off San Vicente for $6.00.

Cost : Free and open to the public, but please RSVP.

www.careusa.org

Sponsor(s): African Studies Center, CareUSA, the Elton John AIDS Foundation