About us
The funds we raise through our events go to charities covering a wide range of worthy causes including the aged, the disabled, domestic violence, health, youth, and abandoned babies. We are currently raising funds for the following charities:
- Grandmothers Beyond Borders (GBB)
- Safe Alternatives for Youths (SAFY)
- SOS Children Villages
- Child is Innocent Foundations
- Kampala School of the Physically Handicapped (KSPH)
- Mildmay Paediatric Care Centre (MPCC)
ArtAid Africa has already given new skills to many communities around Uganda. In conjunction with Grandmothers Beyond Borders we have taught grandmothers the arts of paper beading and fabric dying. A group of young orphans from the Gulu, Kakiri & Entebbe have been shown how to make artwork from banana leaves.
The works of these groups has been successfully exhibited at the Makarere University Art Gallery.
ArtAid Africa hopes to hold many more community based workshops to connect with and support other vulnerable groups.
The artists who give their time and expertise to help these communities often do so at great cost. Not only do they cover their own travel expenses but the time they give could have been spent producing work of their own to supplement their income. The artist usually visits the communities on more than one occasion as the skill being taught requires more than one session with time for the students to practice in between.
The choice of venue an exhibition is an important one. Although we’d like to think that the artwork is of a good enough standard to sell itself, the right surroundings can contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the event.
Day time exhibitions are breathtaking when held in an outdoor setting. Natural light is the ideal medium in which to view artwork. The pieces really come to life when viewed in a natural setting under sunlight.
For indoor events, hotels, embassies and even public spaces make the ideal setting.
Each event is jointly hosted by participating organisations and Art Aid Africa in conjunction with a specific charity. A theme for the exhibition will be selected appropriately to highlight the charity’s work. 100% of all profits will go directly to the chosen charity. A senior member of the charity’s team will be present to give a detailed explanation of the work his or her organisation is doing; Art Aid will also be present to give a summary of recent events with and update from the communities gaining from our artists' training. The sponsors of the event can use the event to promote their organisation, inviting guests of their choice to enjoy the event and hopefully contribute towards the worthwhile cause.
Various works of both emerging and established African artists will be available to view and purchase. In addition, a selection of artwork produced by the groups who have participated in Art Aid workshops, will also be on show. An auction of selected works can also be arranged for the final day of the exhibition.
