National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Alvin Ailey Photography Collection Is Now Available to the Public

More Than 10,000 Photographs Announced on Anniversary of Ailey’s Death and World AIDS Day

Ahead of World AIDS Day and the 30th anniversary of Alvin Ailey’s death (Dec. 1), the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is making available the collection of more than 10,000 photographs chronicling the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater from 1961 to 1994. The Jack Mitchell Photography of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Collection includes 8,288 black-and-white negatives, 2,106 color slides and transparencies, and 339 black-and-white prints depicting private photo sessions, repertory by Alvin Ailey and a wide range of choreographers and iconic solo performers.

Alvin Ailey with the Company in 1978. Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution

Jack Mitchell’s collection documents the dance company’s evolution while capturing the true idiosyncrasies and physicality of movement through still images. The photography showcases the innovative performances and groundbreaking artistry of Ailey, who shined a spotlight on the contributions and experiences of the African American heritage that inspired the racially diverse performances he presented that forever changed American dance and culture.

Marilyn Banks, Alvin Ailey, and Masazumi Chaya. Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution

Acquired in 2013, the entire digitized photography collection has been recently made available to the public online via the Smithsonian’s Online Virtual Archives. The collection is jointly owned by the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation.

Masazumi Chaya. Photo by Jack Mitchell. (©) Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. and Smithsonian Institution

“To have one photographer as talented as Jack Mitchell capture the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s history allows us to really witness the groundbreaking and historic nature of Alvin Ailey’s dance style and his vision for a dance company,” said Spencer Crew, interim director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “It’s particularly difficult to capture the essence of performing arts in photography, yet this collection showcases the ephemeral nature of the performances that made the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater so special to so many audiences around the world.”

Photo Credit: Portrait of Alvin Ailey with Judith Jamison, Linda Kent and Dudley Williams in dance studio. Photography by Jack Mitchell © Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation Inc. and Smithsonian Institution, All rights reserved.

Mitchell’s photography vividly illustrates the evolution of Ailey’s principal dancers, notable performances and Ailey himself. The collection contains photographs of over 80 choreographed performances by Ailey, including his debut piece “Blues Suite” along with “The River” and “Revelations,” one of Ailey’s most popular and critically acclaimed pieces that tells the African American story from slavery to freedom and remains one the most beloved works of modern dance, acclaimed as a must-see and applauded by audiences around the world. The collection also features portraits of Judith Jamison, who was Ailey’s muse, most notably for the tour-de-force solo “Cry,” and who he entrusted to become artistic director before his death. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s other earliest and most revered dancers are featured, including Dudley Williams, Sylvia Waters, Masazumi Chaya and Donna Wood.

HIV & AIDS in the United States Update: World AIDS Day Letter

The following letter was released by Dr. Jonathan H. Mermin and Dr. Eugene McCray of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention in celebration of World AIDS Day 2016.

December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day to unite in the fight against HIV, support people living with HIV, and honor those who have lost their life. This year’s theme, Leadership. Commitment. Impact., asks each of us to strengthen our commitment to stop HIV using the most up-to-date, evidence-based HIV interventions, prevention tools, and testing options available. In 2015, 39,513 people received a diagnosis of HIV, and over 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States.

Recent trends in HIV diagnoses show some promising signs of progress. From 2010 to 2014, the annual number of HIV diagnoses in the United States declined by 9%, driven by declines among heterosexuals and people who inject drugs (PWID). Diagnoses stabilized among gay and bisexual men overall, though trends varied by age, race and ethnicity. African Americans and Latinos continue to be disproportionally affected by HIV, compared with other races and ethnicities.

Despite gains in HIV prevention among PWID, the prescription opioid epidemic and increases in heroin use may threaten this success. PWID are at high risk for HIV and viral hepatitis if they share injection equipment. Today, we have options to help ensure that all PWID have access to prevention services. According to a new edition of CDC’s Vital Signs, released this week,

• PWID account for 9% of HIV diagnoses in the United States, though they make up only 0.3% of the population.
• Last year, only 1 in 4 PWID (in 22 US cities) got all their syringes from sterile sources such as syringe services programs (SSPs) and pharmacies.
• SSPs that are comprehensive not only provide PWID with better access to sterile injection equipment, but also medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder, HIV and hepatitis testing, and other HIV prevention options like condoms, behavioral interventions, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, a daily pill that can prevent HIV).

States and local communities now have the opportunity to use federal funds under some circumstances to support SSPs. CDC guidance is available for partners interested in implementing SSPs, where permitted by local law.

On World AIDS Day and every day, [the] CDC is dedicated to reducing new HIV infections among all populations and improving health outcomes for those who are living with HIV. Current activities include

• Awards of at least $330 million each year since 2012 ($343.7 million in 2015) to health departments to direct resources to the populations and geographic areas of greatest need and prioritize the HIV prevention strategies that will have the greatest impact.

• The Capacity Building Assistance for High-Impact HIV Prevention national program that provides training and technical assistance for health departments, community-based organizations, and health care organizations to help them better address gaps in the HIV continuum of care and provide high-impact prevention to HIV-negative persons.

• The Act Against AIDS initiative that raises awareness about HIV testing and prevention through campaigns and partnerships. For example,

• Let’s Stop HIV Together is a campaign that raises awareness and fights stigma among all Americans and provides stories about people living with HIV.

• Doing It is a national testing and prevention campaign that encourages all adults to know their HIV status and make HIV testing a part of their regular health routine.

• Partnering and Communicating Together (PACT) to Act Against AIDS is a partnership with organizations such as AIDS United and I Choose Life to raise HIV awareness among populations disproportionately affected by HIV.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment to prevent HIV. Through our commitment, collaboration, and coordination, we can continue to reduce HIV incidence for all Americans and help all people with HIV live long, healthy lives.

Sincerely,

Jonathan H. Mermin, MD, MPH

RADM and Assistant Surgeon General, USPHS/Director, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/nchhstp

Eugene McCray, MD

Director, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/hiv

Gap, in Partnership with (RED), Launches Limited-Edition Collection of Utility Jackets Designed by International Street Artists

The Unisex Collection Available For Adults And Kids Launches In Conjunction With World Aids Day With Proceeds Benefitting The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Gap is continuing to commemorate (RED)’s 10th anniversary and its role as the founding apparel partner of the AIDS organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver. In anticipation of World AIDS Day, on December 1, Gap will launch a collection of their iconic Utility Jackets featuring custom designs by six of the most renowned female street artists from around the world. The talented group of women is notable for their exciting, thought-provoking work and for creating awareness of contributions by women in street art.

The unisex styles for men and women was launched on November 29th, coinciding with Giving Tuesday, a day to give back and do good. A portion of proceeds of this collection will be donated to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, adding to the $10 million dollars that Gap has already contributed to the organization over the last 10 years.

The collection includes designs by Shiro, KASHINK, Kelsey Montague, FAITH XLVII and AIKO retailing for $198, as well as a special crochet jacket by Olek retailing for $298. Designs by Shiro and Kelsey Montague will also be offered in versions for boys and girls for $128.

Olek: Olek is a Polish-born street artist and activist whose preferred medium — crochet — captivates audiences all over the world. Inspired by everything from personal text messages to train travel, she believes that life and art are inseparable.

Shiro: Shiro is an internationally recognized graffiti artist from Japan. She loves music, people, and culture. Shiro travels by herself and paints walls all over the world.

KASHINK: KASHINK is an internationally recognized street artist and social activist from Paris. Her large-scale murals celebrate the beauty of human diversity.

Kelsey Montague: Kelsey Montague is an international street artist and coloring book author known for intricate pen-and-ink drawings and a thriving social media campaign that transforms her interactive public murals into living works of art.

FAITH XLVII: A prolific, internationally acclaimed South African visual artist, FAITH XLVII is known for her street paintings, which explore the human condition. Her work spans many mediums, from painting and printmaking to video.

AIKO: Since moving from her native Tokyo to NYC in the late 90’s, AIKO has become a well-respected contemporary artist in the international street art scene, where her feminine, Pop Art-inspired graffiti has a global following.

(RED) was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world’s most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, GAP, Lokai, MCM, NetJets, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks, Telcel. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Fatboy USA, Fresh, Girl Skateboards, Gretsch, HEAD, Le Creuset, Live Nation Entertainment, Moleskine, Mophie, Piaggio and Wolfnoir.

To date, (RED) has generated $360 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 70 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services. (RED) is a division of The ONE Campaign. Learn more at www.red.org

“Gap is thrilled to partner with these talented and visionary women who are each bringing their own creative aesthetic to our iconic utility jacket,” said Wendi Goldman, Gap executive vice president and chief product officer. “We worked closely with (RED) to select artists with diverse points of view who are creating meaningful work that inspires and empowers. Each jacket offers a unique expression that customers can wear with pride to show their commitment to (RED)‘s important mission.”

“We are so grateful to these extraordinary artists for applying their limitless talent to further (RED)’s fight against AIDS,” said Deborah Dugan, (RED) chief executive officer. “This collaboration with Gap is truly unique and can’t fail to capture the imaginations of fashion fans this winter.”

Installation of the New York City AIDS Memorial Begins

Construction of the New York City AIDS Memorial is now underway at the recently named New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent’s Triangle (by New York City Parks Department Commissioner Mitchell Silver) and located at the intersection of West 12th Street and Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. The Memorial organization expects final completion by early November, in advance of a public dedication for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2016.

Installation has begun on the New York City AIDS Memorial, located at the intersection of West 12th Street and Greenwich Avenue in the West Village. SOURCE: New York City AIDS Memorial (PRNewsFoto/New York City AIDS Memorial)

(In his statement Commissioner Silver said, “The New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent’s Triangle stands at the crossroads of the richly historical West Village. Here, we honor and celebrate St. Vincent’s Hospital’s more than 150 years of service to our city, as well as the countless New Yorkers impacted by AIDS: those we have lost, those who live with H.I.V./AIDS, and those who continue to battle against fear and ignorance.”)

“I am thrilled by the announcement of the naming of the New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St Vincent’s Triangle, in the center of the community that provided loving care and support to my friends as they died of AIDS and lead the response out of the shadows of stigma, death and despair – into the light of hope, effective treatment and an eventual return to a more normal life. The memorial park pays tribute to our brothers and sisters who died of this plague,” adds Eric Sawyer, founding member of ACT UP and co-founder of Housing Works Inc. and Civil Society Partnership Advisor UNAIDS

The Memorial project was launched in 2011 by urban planners Christopher Tepper and Paul Kelterborn to recognize and preserve the history of the AIDS crisis through the creation of a Memorial to honor New York City’s 100,000+ men, women and children who have died from AIDS, and to commemorate and celebrate the efforts of the caregivers and activists who responded heroically to the crisis. Their efforts evolved into the New York City AIDS Memorial organization.

Steel columns for the monument’s 18-foot white canopy sculpture, fabricated in Argentina, are now being assembled onsite. Stone fabricators in Cold Spring, Minnesota are currently engraving the Memorial’s granite pavers, designed by world-renowned visual artist Jenny Holzer, with selections from Walt Whitman‘s Song of Myself. The Memorial also includes a central granite water feature and benches and will serve as the gateway to a new park.

The New York City AIDS Memorial will be the first significant public space dedicated to the AIDS epidemic in New York City. It is located at the site of the former St. Vincent’s Hospital, the epicenter of the epidemic in New York City, and also a block from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center where ACT UP and other heroic advocacy organizations first began.

“We are excited to see onsite installation beginning on the New York City AIDS Memorial,” said Keith Fox, President of the Memorial organization’s Board of Directors. “After years of working with the community, local elected officials and other stakeholders to approve a design and raise funds for construction, we are extremely grateful to finally see onsite installation beginning. New York City has come so far in its fight against HIV and AIDS. We are proud to remember the 100,000+ New Yorkers who have died from AIDS and offer the community a place to remember, reflect and learn. Along with the neighboring Stonewall National Monument, this is a proud moment for LGBT historic preservation.”

Tepper and Kelterborn, two urban planners who have never known a world without AIDS, launched the grassroots campaign to create the Memorial in 2011. Nearly 500 architects worldwide submitted designs for the Memorial during an ideas competition held in late 2011, sponsored by Architectural Record and Architizer and displayed at the AIA’s Center for Architecture. The jury, chaired by Michael Arad, designer of the National September 11th Memorial, selected a winning design by Brooklyn-based architectural firm Studio AI.

For more information or to support the New York City AIDS Memorial, visit http://nycaidsmemorial.org.

Just Launched: Blue Ribbon Boys HIV Viral Suppression Campaign

MSMGF and Hornet Use App-based Technology to Modernize Global HIV Prevention Messaging

MSMGF (The Global Forum on MSM & HIV), the largest global, advocacy network focused on HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM), has partnered with popular gay dating app, Hornet, to launch the largest targeted, global HIV viral suppression campaign to date. The campaign that will directly reach over 7 million MSM around the world is called Blue Ribbon Boys (BlueRibbonBoys.org).

***In order to encourage global participation in Blue Ribbon Boys, Hornet is giving away free premium memberships to new users that sign up using this link: http://hrnt.it/blueribbonboys during November and December.

Launched within the app on November 24th, one week before World AIDS Day, the Blue Ribbon Boys campaign will prompt all Hornet users to answer a short series of yes or no questions about their sexual health. Questions will pertain to HIV and STI testing, ARV (anti-retroviral) treatment, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), viral load, disclosure, stigma, condom and lubricant use, and other prevention methods.

Find out more at BlueRibbonBoys.org (PRNewsFoto/MSMGF)

Based on their answers, those who qualify will receive a blue ribbon icon on their profile photo signifying their personal commitment to sexual health, irrespective of their HIV status. Men who do not meet the standard will be offered recommendations for ways to protect and improve their sexual health so they can become a Blue Ribbon Boy. The campaign will grow and evolve over the coming months and adapt as treatment and prevention methods improve and become available in different regions.

“Blue Ribbon Boys modernizes sexual health messaging by asking Hornet users to be more mindful about their sex play given the effective prevention options at their disposal. It also invites men to take action in response to the unavailability of prevention and treatment tools they want and need,” said MSMGF Executive Director, Dr. George Ayala.

MSMGF and Hornet are tenacious advocates for unfettered access to and early initiation of antiretroviral medications for all MSM living with HIV. Both organizations are also campaigning for widespread availability and proper use of PrEP among HIV-negative men at significant risk for HIV, aligned with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization guidelines. The goal of the BRB campaign is HIV viral suppression across all global communities.

“Leveraging social technology on such a massive scale is one of the ways we will be able to make a big difference in global health,” says Hornet founder Sean Howell. “As a large social media platform, we can be a megaphone to the good work that MSMGF is doing.”

Blue Ribbon Boys is breaking new ground in reaching MSM in many low- and middle-income countries where basic services may not be available but the prevalence of smart phones is widespread. It also directly targets young MSM who are early adopters of technology. Young people (under 25) are at increased risk for HIV, comprising over 40% of new HIV infections worldwide.

In cases where Hornet users hit a roadblock, where they are unable to access treatment or prevention services, they will be directed to two global petitions: one is for HIV-negative men who want access to PrEP and the other is for HIV-positive men who demand access to ARV treatment.

Although MSM represent only about 4% of the male population, they are disproportionately affected by HIV. In low- and middle-income countries they are 19 times more likely to be infected with HIV compared with the general population. HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men across North, South and Central America, South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 14% to 18%. Even as HIV incidence is in decline worldwide, the rate of new HIV infections among men who have sex with men remains unchanged and is increasing in some high-income countries like the United States.

MSMGF is an expanding global network focused on full sexual health and human rights for all men who have sex with men.

Learn more about MSMGF at MSMGF.org

Learn more about Hornet at hornetapp.com

Apple Announces World AIDS Day 2014 Campaign for (RED)

Popular Apps Turn (RED) to Fight AIDS

Apple Donating A Portion of Holiday Sales from Retail & Online Stores

To mark World AIDS Day 2014, Apple® and leading app developers are inviting customers to help (RED) achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation. For the next two weeks, a special section of the App Store℠ called Apps for (RED) will offer 25 apps with exclusive new content where all proceeds will go directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. In addition, Apple will donate a portion of sales at Apple’s retail and online stores around the world on two of the biggest shopping days of the year: Friday, November 28 and Monday, December 1.

“Apple is a proud supporter of (RED) because we believe the gift of life is the most important gift anyone can give,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “For eight years, our customers have been helping fight AIDS in Africa by funding life-saving treatments which are having a profoundly positive impact. This year we are launching our biggest fundraising push yet with the participation of Apple’s retail and online stores, and some of the brightest minds in the App Store are lending their talents to the effort as well.”

Apple and App Store developers will generate donations for (RED) in several ways over the next two weeks:

• From Monday, November 24 through Sunday, December 7, the App Store’s Apps for (RED) campaign will feature 25 fan-favorite apps with exclusive new content. Every time a customer purchases a participating (PRODUCT)RED app or an exclusive In-App Purchase, all proceeds will go to the Global Fund.
• On Friday, November 28, Apple customers in the US will receive a special edition (RED) iTunes® gift card with the purchase of select Apple products. For each gift card distributed, Apple will also donate a percentage to the Global Fund.
• On Monday, December 1— World AIDS Day—Apple will donate a portion of every sale at Apple’s retail and online stores to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

“Apple isn’t just in the fight to end AIDS. They are setting a new bar for business, giving $75 million and counting to the Global Fund as part of their partnership with (RED),” said Bono, co-founder of (RED). “I couldn’t be prouder to work with them.”

Apps for (RED) marks the first-ever global App Store initiative in support of (RED). Participating developers have created (RED)-inspired content and experiences for their fans to enjoy, including:

• Angry Birds players can perfect their bird-flinging with (RED)’s Mighty Feathers and challenge themselves to a bonus golden egg level.
 
• Bubble Witch 2 Saga offers new (PRODUCT)RED levels across all 17 episodes of the game. Gold bar currency purchases will be donated to (RED).

• CSR Racing delivers new in-game thrills with the highly anticipated Mercedes Benz-AMG GT. 

• Clash of Clans warriors can prepare for battle with special edition (PRODUCT)RED gems and display a (RED) badge of honor on the village’s town hall. 

• Clear’s users can perfect their organizational skills with a new (PRODUCT)RED theme which appears automatically with all new downloads. 

• Cut the Rope 2 unveils a wide selection of (PRODUCT)RED items including a new red hat, red touch print, red balloons and a red ginger cookie.

• Despicable Me: Minion Rush reveals a new Lifeguard minion that helps players boost their banana collection skills by 200 percent.

• DJay 2’s spin tables turn (RED) and offer DJs a special sound pack.

• FarmVille 2: Country Escape players can “Roll out the RED Carpet” and purchase limited-time items such as the Cozy Cow, St. Bernard and more.

• FIFA 15 Ultimate Team players can compete in a (RED) Tournament and Team of the Week event. All winners will be awarded football superstar and (RED) Ambassador Rafa Marquez.

• Frozen Free Fall unveils a magical new (RED) Challenge in the Kingdom of Arendelle, and offers an exclusive combined offer of 1 power-up, 1 snowball and 3 lives.

• GarageBand® users can now purchase an exclusive collection of 300 guitar, bass, synth and drum loops to create even more amazing music. 

• Kim Kardashian: Hollywood’s aspiring celebrity players can treat themselves to (PRODUCT)RED items including (BEATS)RED Solo2 headphones. Kris Jenner, the first family member to join Kim’s in-app world, will make her in-game debut on December 1.

• Heads Up! competition heats up with an exclusive new deck featuring (RED) words.

• The Human Body debuts the Immune System feature, educating users on how the body fights pathogens. The accompanying handbook features a new section on HIV/AIDS.

• Kitchen Stories Cookbook will offer a special-edition holiday recipe pack, featuring dishes from renowned chefs Mario Batali, Martha Stewart, Luke Holden and Michael Lomonaco.

• Monument Valley offers a whole new chapter of Ida’s Journey, marking the final new feature of the game. 

• Over customers have access to a wide selection of (PRODUCT)RED fonts and inspiring artwork, specially created by six artists. Users can share photos with the (RED) brackets overlay to help spread awareness. 

• Paper by FiftyThree enthusiasts can enjoy a new (PRODUCT)RED Essentials Pack including Sketch, Outline, Write, Color and Mixer tools.

• Puzzle & Dragons players have exclusive access to the new (PRODUCT)RED magic stone.

• Rayman Fiesta Run introduces a new (RED) edition to their wacky Fiesta world, and players can purchase a pack of three new costumes for Rayman, Globox and Teensy characters.

• Star Walk 2 users can learn more about Mars with the comprehensive new RED Planet feature.

• Sims FreePlay features a special community challenge that unlocks various rewards, and players can purchase limited-edition (PRODUCT)RED items such as a swimming pool, party plane and piñata.

• Threes! turns (RED) with a limited-edition (PRODUCT)RED theme.

• Toca Boca paints Toca Town (RED)! Kids can discover new (RED) diamonds, sample (RED) ice cream in the app and look for other surprises throughout the game.

More information about Apple’s World AIDS Day 2014 campaign, including Apps for (RED), is available at www.apple.com/red.

Eastpak Artist Studio (EAST) Launches New Collection to Benefit Designers Against Aids

Eastpak has released the creations for the fourth edition of the Eastpak Artist Studio (EAST), comprising some of the biggest names in the fashion industry. Joining forces in support of Designers Against AIDS, all 16 EAST designers –including Manolo Blahnik, Jean Paul Gaultier and Dutch designer Antoine Peters— have directed their considerable creative energies to the task of transforming a special edition blank Eastpak backpack into a unique work of art for charity.

Jean Paul Gaultier

All designers were asked to use the classic Padded Pak’r® and create a unique work of art. Except for keeping intact the Eastpak Artist Studio logo the designers had no restrictions to re-interpret this iconic backpack in their own style, taste and vision.

All EAST creations will be auctioned off and all proceeds will be donated to the charity organization, Designers Against AIDS (DAA).

Chris Janssens

Christoper Shannon

Christopher Lee Sauve

Christopher Lee Sauve

Gaspard Yurkievich

Henrik Vibskov

KRJST

Lala Berlin

Manolo Blahnik

MSGM

Scooter LaForge

Sybilla

Tim Coppens

Walter Van Beirendonck

DAA was launched in 2004 by the non-profit organization Beauty Without Irony. It’s main objective is to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and to get the subject back on the agenda in the international media and amongst the public at large. DAA, Eastpak and the artists of the Eastpak Artist Studio are sending a clear declaration of intent to join in the fight against this destructive disease while giving support to sufferers worldwide, as well as telling the world that the disease is still active throughout the world, with new cases being announced every day. DAA’s campaigns also borrow elements from pop culture, targeting primarily young people in industrialized countries where the disease has of late been largely forgotten. The organization also fights for the acceptance and equal rights of seropositive people around the world.

Said Antoine Peters, “I ​​am very honored to participate in this edition of Eastpak Artist Studio. I think it’s great that I can use my creativity and design to contribute to the discussion about and such an important issue as the fighting of HIV/Aids.”

On World Aids Day – December ist, 2014 – the bags will be sold through an online auction. All proceeds go to Designers Against Aids.

If you want to find out more about DAA, visit their website www.designersagainstaids.com.

Images sourced from www.fuckingyoung.es.

LifeStyles® Condoms And The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Launch #LetsChangeEverything Social Media Campaign For World AIDS Day

For every #LetsChangeEverything update during the campaign,The makers of the LifeStyles brand will donate a condom to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation

The makers of LifeStyles^® Condoms, one of the nation’s leading condom brands, announced the launch of the #LetsChangeEverything social media campaign in partnership with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to raise awareness for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2013.

Based out of Iselin, NJ, the LifeStyles brand was launched in 1985 as a U.S.-based consumer products division of Ansell Limited, a global leader in healthcare barrier protective products with operations in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. With over 20 styles of condoms and an assortment of other pleasure products on the market, the brand and its affiliates are some of the leading distributors of sexual health goods in the U.S. and Canada.  More information on the LifeStyles brand can be found at www.lifestyles.com.  For more information on Ansell and its other products, please visit www.ansell.com.

The #LetsChangeEverything campaign implores individuals to “change everything” by encouraging a global conversation about HIV and AIDS on December 1 ^st through a social media promotion around the #LetsChangeEverything hashtag. Until midnight on December 1, #LetsChangeEverything will ask the brands’ nearly 200,000 social media fans and followers and their circles to unite in the worldwide fight against HIV by having users donate their statuses to AIDS awareness. For each status shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #LetsChangeEverything, the company will donate a condom, up to 20,000 condoms, to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to help prevent the spread of HIV.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider in the USA. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 250,000 individuals in 32 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Asia. For more information, visit nwww.aidshealth.org, on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and on Twitter:@AIDSHealthcare

“Nearly 1.2 million people are living with HIV and almost one in five doesn’t know they are infected,” said Carol Carrozza, Vice President Sales & Marketing North America for Ansell Healthcare, the makers of LifeStyles Condoms.  “We are proud to work alongside the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to raise awareness for World AIDS Day, and are grateful to work with an organization that shares our dedication to promoting HIV/AIDS education and prevention.”

The condom maker will ask participants to craft their own messages using the #LetsChangeEverything hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or utilize a pre-written message to share. For example:

• #LetsChangeEverything I’m donating my status to promote #WorldAIDsDay and to change the way the world thinks about HIV and AIDs
• I just donated a condom to @AIDSHealthcare to support #WorldAIDsDay #LetsChangeEverything
• #LetsChangeEverything together. Start by getting tested. To find a HIV testing center near you visitfreehivtest.net

The #LetsChangeEverything campaign for World AIDS Day comes on the heels of the #KnowYourStatus campaign which was conceptualized for National HIV Testing Day in June, resulting in over 12,000 dedicated status updates across participating platforms.

“One of our goals is to change the way people view HIV testing and condom use,” said Whitney Engeran-Cordova, Senior Director of Public Health for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). “We hope people begin to view these as routine health practices on par with dental visits and brushing your teeth daily, and also as a way to take pride in and control of your own sexual health.”

To find a free testing location in your area, visit www.FreeHIVTest.net.  For more information about the campaign, visit: www.LifeStyles.com/LetsChangeEverything.

 

Durex and MTV Launch Global Sex-Ed Project for World Aids Day

#SOMEONELIKEME: A GLOBAL CONVERSATION ABOUT SEX, SEXUAL HEALTH AND A WORLD FREE FROM HIV

FOR WORLD AIDS DAY 2013, DUREX AND THE MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION LAUNCH 3 YEAR GLOBAL INITIATIVE

Launch film preview http://youtu.be/yMcVsfEYoj8

Reckitt Benckiser’s power brand Durex has partnered with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation to launch ‘Someone Like Me ‘, a global campaign for young people to revolutionize their own sex education and, ultimately, to take action to help shape a world free from HIV.

The MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION is an international content-producing and grant-giving organization dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV among young people. The Foundation creates and distributes challenging and entertaining HIV prevention content across MTV channels and with third-party broadcasters, while finding and funding young leaders who are tackling the HIV epidemic in their own communities.

To date, MTV STAYING ALIVE FOUNDATION programming has reached 100% of the top 50 countries affected by HIV, and has awarded 429 grants in 63 countries around the world, distributing nearly $4.5 million to grassroots HIV prevention projects. The MTV Staying Alive Foundation is registered as a UK charity and as a 501c3 charitable organization in the US. For more information log onto http://stayingalivefoundation.org

Over the course of a 3-year campaign, ‘Someone Like Me’ aims to break down the myths and barriers that confine sex education by starting a global conversation about sex, sexual health, and sex education – a conversation that says, ‘you are not alone’, that ‘someone like me’ has the same questions, worries and concerns  about sex as you do. With young people talking about sex, their experiences, opinions and worries openly, the HIV-prevention message will be integrated into the conversation as the campaign progresses.

‘Someone Like Me’ will directly target the preconception that HIV is not relevant, with messaging highlighting that HIV could (and does) happen to ‘someone like me’. We will encourage young people to engage with the provocative statement, ‘someone like me’, to share it, and to use it to make their own positive change towards a world free from HIV.

The campaign will launch across global digital channels targeting young audiences wherever they socialize and connect. MTV SAF and Durex aim to build the http://www.someonelikeme.tv hub in to the world’s largest peer generated content hub on sex, sexual health, and sex education. Over the three year campaign period, MTV SAF and Durex will also populate the website with a global crew of young people from around the world who will submit video diaries with their views and stories.

Throughout November, the campaign will feature prominently on Durex and MTV Social Channels and paid media, with social hooks aimed at stimulating the conversation and creating awareness. From the 25th November, the Someone Like Me documentary, ‘My Sex Life and Everyone Else’s’, will air on MTV globally.

Then on Saturday the 30th November, WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATIONS will be held in 7 countries around the world to drive the campaign message and celebrate change. The celebrations will commence in Sydney, then Shanghai, Singapore, Moscow, Berlin, Mexico City and ending in Bogota, Colombia.

Georgia Arnold – Executive Director MTV Staying Alive Foundation noted, “For the past 15 years, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation has worked tirelessly to influence positive sexual behavior among young people around the world in creative and innovative ways. At MTV SAF, we believe that this generation will change the course of the HIV epidemic, and are thrilled to be partnering with Durex on a campaign that will empower young people to do just that.”

Volker Sydow – Durex Global Category Director, Reckitt Benckiser added, “Sexual health and sexual wellbeing are at the core of our organizations; MTV SAF and Durex have a shared vision to improve sexual health for young people around the world and the energy, commitment and passion to make that happen. With ‘#someonelikeme’ we are excited to provide to young people around the world a new and revolutionary platform to speak up, sharing their stories and fundamentally driving change for them to experience in their lifetime an HIV-free generation.”

MONDO GUERRA OF PROJECT RUNWAY ALL STARS UNVEILS ONE-OF-A-KIND CLOTHING DESIGN IN HONOR OF WORLD AIDS DAY

DRESS INSPIRED BY HIV COMMUNITY AND I DESIGN CAMPAIGN

Fashion designer and Project Runway All Stars winner, MONDO GUERRA, in collaboration with MERCK, unveiled an original dress created by the designer and inspired by the HIV Community. The dress is an embodiment of the Community’s courage and commitment, and was designed to help inspire people living with HIV to have an open dialogue with their doctor – a key component of the I Design campaign that Mondo and Merck have been bringing to the Community this year. The one-of-a-kind dress will be premiered on World AIDS Day, commemorated on the first of December each year, and will be unveiled on the campaign website, www.ProjectIDesign.com.

MERCK WORLD AIDS DAY DRESS: Dress designed by Project Runway All Stars winner Mondo Guerra for World AIDS Day, inspired by his advocacy work through his collaboration with Merck on I Design, an HIV education campaign. (PRNewsFoto/Merck)

I Design is a national HIV education campaign led by Merck and fashion designer Mondo Guerra aimed at helping to empower people living with HIV to have open and meaningful discussions with their doctors about their treatment plan based on their medical and lifestyle needs. 

2012 WORLD AIDS DAY REPORT: MORE THAN HALF OF YOUNG HIV-INFECTED AMERICANS ARE NOT AWARE OF THEIR STATUS

TOO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BECOME INFECTED AND FEW ARE TESTED FOR HIV

Young people between the ages of 13 and 24 represent more than a quarter of new HIV infections each year (26 percent) and most of these youth living with HIV (60 percent) are unaware they are infected, according to a VITAL SIGNS REPORT from the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. The most-affected young people are young gay and bisexual men and African-Americans, the report says.

The analysis looks at the latest data on HIV infections, testing, and risk behaviors among young people and was published in advance of WORLD AIDS DAY, Dec. 1.

Overall, an estimated 12,200 new HIV infections occurred in 2010 among young people aged 13-24, with young gay and bisexual men and African-Americans hit harder by HIV than their peers. In 2010, 72 percent of estimated new HIV infections in young people occurred in young men who have sex with men (MSM).  By race/ethnicity, 57 percent of estimated new infections in this age group were in African-Americans.

(RED) PARTNERS GET BEHIND WORLD AIDS DAY 2012

ICONIC BUILDINGS & LANDMARKS WILL TURN (RED) TO MARK WORLD AIDS DAY  

Turning famous landmarks (RED) on WORLD AIDS DAY has become a bit of a tradition at (RED). And once again, on December 1st, cities around the world will unite and illuminate landmarks (RED) to honor World AIDS Day.  To mark the occasion around the globe, many of the world’s most iconic buildings and best known landmarks will turn (RED) on December 1. Among those showing support for the fight against AIDS are the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, AAMI STADIUM AND THE ARTS CENTRE SPIRE IN MELBOURNE, THE EDF ENERGY LONDON EYE, Cape Town’s TABLE MOUNTAIN, Toronto’s CN TOWER, THE PONTE VECCHIO and PALAZZO VECCHIO in Florence, Dublin’s CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL and THE SOUMAYA MUSEUM in Mexico City.

The Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia goes (RED)

San Francisco City Hall

In addition, New York’s EMPIRE STATE BUILDING and TIMES SQUARE‘s NASDAQ MARKETSITE TOWER and THE STANDARD, HIGH LINE, CITY HALL IN SAN FRANCISCO, The WRIGLEY BUILDING in Chicago, CITY HALL in Atlanta, CITY HALL and WAR MEMORIAL PLAZA (promenade) in Baltimore, over 15 buildings in Providence, including G-TECH and the RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE and the PYLONS at LAX AIRPORT will also all turn (RED). The landmark lightings will help raise awareness and support for our goal of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV by 2015.  The lightings will also bring awareness of the issue to a local level with many individual cities hosting events.

THE GOAL IS SET: AN AIDS-FREE GENERATION BY 2015

While we are all getting ready to celebrate the upcoming holiday with our friends and family, we need to remain cognizant of one very important fact that is both frightening and heartbreaking to our very core: LAST YEAR NEARLY HALF A MILLION BABIES WERE BORN WITH HIV. By 2015, that number could be zero.

This WORLD AIDS DAY – DECEMBER 1st – (RED) www.joinred.com is launching a new campaign that brings light to the important fact that by 2015 we can have a world where virtually no child is born with HIV. With continued funding to organizations like the GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA, we have a chance to work towards a world where the number of babies born with HIV could be zero in 2015 – creating the first AIDS Free Generation in 30 years.

(RED) ENLIST NEW PARTNERS TO FIGHT FOR THE END OF AIDS

UNIQUE NEW EXPERIENCES MEAN SHOPPERS CAN “BUY (RED), SAVE LIVES”

On Wednesday, November 21^st, (RED) announced exciting new partnerships with GILT.COM, THE STANDARD HOTELS,

(RED) (RED) LOGO

FATBOY USA and HEAD, bringing further great opportunities for people to “BUY (RED), SAVE LIVES” through unique (RED) branded goods and experiences.

The announcements come as (RED) and its partners mark an important milestone in the fight against AIDS, having generated $200 million for the GLOBAL FUND TO FIGHT AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS AND MALARIA.

To coincide with the start of the holiday season, the new partnership with Gilt.com (www.gilt.com) will see the launch of the first ever (PRODUCT) ^RED ONLINE BOUTIQUE – www.gilt.com/joinred. Promoted to Gilt members across the WORLDS AIDS DAY weekend, DECEMBER 1^ST and 2^ND, consumers will be able to buy a range of (RED) products in one digital destination. The (PRODUCT) ^RED ONLINE BOUTIQUE will stay live for shoppers through DECEMBER 16^TH.