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The workshops, led by Art for AIDS International Executive Director Hendrikus Bervoets, used a combination of fact-based knowledge sharing, experiential learning, peer to peer support, and art making to explore specific and sensitive aspects of risk and vulnerability, especially as they relate to HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

Truck drivers, sex workers and young people often have increased vulnerability to HIV. These innovative workshops allowed participants to identify risks as well as to tackle sensitive issues like HIV stigma.

For truckers and sex workers particularly, risks can be heightened as mobile workers often spend long periods of time away from their families and may use the services of sex workers.

“AIDS will only be eradicated if we have love and compassion for each other,” expressed one student artist. “AIDS is a mindset. If we all decide to live and think positively we can reduce the effects of AIDS...We have to shift the way we think,” highlighted another student.

“My grandfather has had HIV for almost seven years and has been not only surviving but thriving,” noted one of the artists who HIV as saw HIV as a learning experience. “This showed me that no matter what the circumstance, everyone can live a happy and fulfilling life.”

“The process of combining health information, storytelling and art-making can be informative, therapeutic and fun for everyone involved” said Robin Landis, Director of Communications, North Star Alliance.

The art, signed by the artists and numbered, uses striking and colourful collages, translating personal insights into original work. Each collage is produced as a limited edition print. To view the entire portfolio, please visit: http://www.northstar-alliance.org/portfolio

The art pieces were shown at a special exhibition last September in Rome as part of the ‘Share Fair’ event which showcases innovations from the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on emerging trends relating to agriculture, food security, climate change, changing demographics and youth.

The organisers hoped that these prints will create a unique portfolio which will raise awareness about the impact of HIV on mobile populations.