South Africa

^{Posted on Wednesday 3rd October,2007}

SADC Artists AIDS Festival

sadc

^{About the Festival}

^{The SADC Artists Aids Festival is a regional artists HIV/AIDS initiative being launched in Harare, Zimbabwe this year. Multidisciplinary Artists, Aids Service Organisations, Representatives from Ministries of Health, Arts and Culture, National Arts and Aids Councils and invited to participate in workshops, and artists invited to showcase various works related to HIV and AIDS in exhibitions and performance.}

^Workshops

^{Artists will be engaged in a process of exploration, innovation and creativity that will transform responses to HIV and AIDS. Instead of the traditional form of workshops, artists will be challenged to make a critical difference in their own thinking and find a space to re-invent themselves and change society. The regional workshops will take place prior to the entertainment events. Aids Service Organisation, Representatives from Ministries of Health, Arts and Culture, National Arts and Aids Councils and other stakeholders and invited to participate in the workshops.}

^{The discussions will seek to answer some of the following questions:}

^{- Do artists feel that they are affected by HIV and AIDS?}

^{- If so, how have artists tried to address the issue/problem?}

^{- How have artists contributed positively or negatively to the fight against HIV and AIDS? For example have artists misused their status as celebrities and role models to get sexual favours from those who look up to them?}

^{- If so, how has this behaviour impacted on how they are viewed by the general public as contributors to the HIV and AIDS crisis and as role models?}

^{- Generally, do artists know their HIV status?}

^{- Are artists, positive examples of people living with HIV and AIDS?}

^{- How can artists use their status to influence change in the lives of young people?}

^{- Whast do artists know about HIV and AIDS and are they disseminating any information about HIV and AIDS?}

^{- Is the information they have and disseminate accurate?}

^{- How can Artists remain updated about HIV and AIDS? How can ASO's and other stakeholders help?}

^{- How can ASO's work with the arts and artists to disseminate information about HIV and AIDS?}

^{- How can ASO's work with the arts industry to reac their target audiences?}

^{-Are cultural industries strategically placed to be used as vehicles for HIV and AIDS information dissemination?}

^{-What have been shared experience and cross border interactions amongst artists and between them and other groups iin the region as regards artists and between them and other groups in the region as regards artists and HIV and AIDS?}

^{- Are there lessons to be learned from history that can inform the struggles of artists in HIV and AIDS today and in the future?}

^{- What inspiration can artists get from better knowledge now and into the future?}

Entertainment Activities

3.1 Launch and Fundraising Concert

^{The festival will be officially launched, and all stakeholders are invited to the launch where some of Southern Africa’s finest performers will entertain audiences. This event will incorporate music, dance, poetry and auctions of some artistic materials such as sculptures, books, paintings etc.}

3.2 Public Exhibitions and Performances

^{The public events are ‘free-to-enter’ events and an opportunity for the general public to interact with artists and AIDS Service Organisations over a two day period. This is an opportunity for Government A.S.O’s and other stakeholders to exhibit their own materials and information on HIV and AIDS over these two days. It will also be an opportunity to set up voluntary testing and counseling stations at the venue, mobilizing people towards voluntary testing and counseling, encouraging people to know their status so that they are able to remain HIV free or live positively with HIV and encouraging them to inform themselves of the various treatment options and services available.}

^{The exhibitions and performances serve as a way to engage the community, promote awareness and start an important dialogue about HIV and AIDS in Southern Africa. The primary focus is to educate and to raise public awareness about the impact and consequences of HIV and AIDS. Artists are encouraged to express their concerns for HIV and AIDS through the arts.}

^{Fill in the application form that can be downloaded here.}

Conclusion

^{Interested parties are required to complete the attached application forms and email them to}^{sadcfest@zol.co.zw}^;^{eugene@sadcfest.co.za}^{; or to call Eugene or Thandeka on
+263 (0) 4 797 233 or 791 894 or fax 797 452 or Mobile +263 91 900 972.}

^{For further information please do not hesitate to contact the festival office on +263 (0) 4 797 233 or 791 894 or fax 797 452}

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