An art exhibition designed to celebrate World Aids Day 2011 will feature a collection of works by international artists and benefit a London charity. The Optimist, at East Gallery, London, has been organised by charity Positive East, ThreePointSeven and 30 contributing artists.
Each piece of art in The Optimist will be displayed with the story about the artists' inspiration behind their work. These stories will also appear in the exhibition catalogue, which will be available at East Gallery and through The Optimist website. Themes include social isolation and exclusion, reassurance, support, comfort, prevention and medication.
David Garrard, curator for The Optimist, said: "We have come a long way since the first cases of the HIV in the 1980s. Although stigma and discrimination are still evident today, the responses from the community have helped improve the lives of people living with HIV. By working together and getting involved we help combat the spread of HIV."
Those who have taken part range from graffiti artists painters and sculptors, to photographers, graphic designers and illustrators. Signed, limited edition prints of each piece of art in The Optimist will be available for purchase with proceeds raised going to Positive East.
The exhibition runs from December 1, World Aids Day, to December 6 and aims to raise awareness about living with HIV and also encouraging people to become more informed about HIV. Positive East provides services to individuals, families and communities of East London who are affected by HIV and AIDS and offers a holistic provision of welfare, housing, asylum and counselling support. The charity also contributes towards reducing late diagnosis of HIV infection and works towards eliminating the onward transmission of HIV infection through testing campaigns and services.