About Visual AIDS

Mission

Visual AIDS utilizes art to fight AIDS by provoking dialogue, supporting HIV+ artists, and preserving a legacy, because AIDS is not over.

Statement of Values

Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to raising AIDS awareness and creating dialogue around HIV issues today, by producing and presenting visual art projects, exhibitions, public forums, and publications—while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. We are committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement. We embrace diversity and difference in our staff, leadership, artists, and audiences.

In the fight against AIDS, we believe:

Effective AIDS advocacy seeks to address the underlying and related issues that contribute to and exacerbate the pandemic, such as poverty, homophobia, and racism.
Our work affirms the visibility, dignity, and rights of people living with HIV and AIDS.
HIV/AIDS prevention is about harm reduction that is guided by science, not ideology.
We draw from the deep history of art activism, as with our Red Ribbon Project and Day With(out) Art.
Visual AIDS promotes art that is public, inclusive, and accessible.
Art that takes risks promotes and encourages reflection, dialogue, and action.

Art is our weapon of choice.

History

Visual AIDS was founded in 1988 by art critic and writer Robert Atkins, curators Gary Garrels,Thomas Sokolowski and William Olander (1951-1989). Visual AIDS was one of the first national initiatives to record the impact of the AIDS pandemic on the artistic community. It brought together the arts and AIDS communities through its renowned national projects Day Without Art, Night Without Light and The Ribbon Project.

Day With(out) Art launched on December 1, 1989 as "a day of action and mourning" in which thousands of arts institutions and organizations around the world unify together to demonstrate the power of art to raise awareness of the ongoing AIDS pandemic. On December 1, 1990, Visual AIDS presented the first Night Without Light, cities nationwide turn off their architectural lights as visual reminder of the impact of AIDS.

Visual AIDS' Day With(out) Art programming is supported by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.

Follow Visual AIDS

Website https://visualaids.org
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/visualAIDS
Instagram http://instagram.com/visual_aids
Vimeo https://vimeo.com/visualaidsnyc

About Yakima Pride

Our Mission

Driving positive change for the LGBTQ+ community in the Yakima Valley and Central Washington by educating, elevating, honoring, and celebrating through transformative cultural experiences, powerful advocacy, and a commitment to a brighter future.

Our Vision

Through unwavering dedication to education, advocacy, and cultural celebration, Yakima Pride will be a driving force in realizing this vision. Together, we will create a world where diversity is not just tolerated, but cherished.

Equality reigns: No individual faces discrimination or prejudice based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Everyone enjoys equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

Barriers are shattered: Systemic and societal hurdles that obstruct LGBTQ+ progress are dismantled, paving the way for full inclusion and acceptance.

Voices soar: The vibrant tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences is woven into the fabric of our community, celebrated and amplified through powerful advocacy and transformative cultural expression.

Art ignites change: Arts and culture become catalysts for understanding, empathy, and social progress, fostering a society where everyone can live authentically and proudly.

Diversity thrives: The rich mosaic of LGBTQ+ identities is embraced as a source of strength, resilience, and inspiration, enriching our community and propelling us towards a brighter future.

Day With(out) Art 2025: Meet Us Where We're At

A World AIDS Day Short Film program Presented by Yakima Pride and Visual AIDS