About the Arts Fund

The Stephen Lewis Foundation Arts Fund shines a celebratory spotlight on the visionary and innovative use of the arts by African grassroots organizations that bring healing and hope to communities on the frontlines of the AIDS pandemic. Whether it’s theatre, gumboot dancing, memory books, storytelling or puppetry – the arts are a powerful catalyst for healing, transformation and action.

The Arts Fund has ignited the commitment of the Canadian artistic community, who share a deep understanding of the power of the arts to give voice to grief, heal the deep wounds of loss, break through stigma and nurture hope.

The Fund will provide the resources to collaborate with the powerful work of community-based organizations, enhancing the lives of grandmothers, orphaned children, women, and people living with HIV and AIDS in Africa. Read more about how these organizations are using the arts in their communities.

The Fund was officially launched on the eve of World AIDS Day 2011. Click here to learn more about the launch event.

Become a Patron of the Arts Fund

If you are an artist or an art supporter, please consider becoming a Patron of the Arts Fund and mobilize your networks to get involved.  You can donate to the Arts Fund online (select ‘Arts Fund’ from the menu).

To learn more about how to get involved, click here.  If you would like additional information, please email artsfund@stephenlewisfoundation.org or call Alexis MacDonald, Director of External Relations, at 1-888-203-9990 ext.300.

A message from Stephen Lewis about the Arts Fund
 

• Click here to watch more video clips about the role of the arts in the work of African grassroots organizations.

Arts Fund Advisory Committee

We have a talented and wise Arts Fund Advisory Committee comprised of prominent filmmakers, musicians, producers, writers, fashion designers, performers, and poets, who provide us with insight and guidance on engaging Canada’s artistic community. The founding members include:

• Molly Johnson
• Liz Marshall
• Chris Tyrell and Jim Searle, Hoax Couture
• Susan G. Cole
• d’bi. Young
• Ngozi Paul
• Judy Gladstone