'Art for Anova' initiative supports aspiring local artists

The Anova Health Institute is inviting aspiring, local artists to upload images of their paintings, drawings or photographs (anything that can be hung on a wall), along with the dimensions, to the organisation's Facebook page for an 'Art for Anova' initiative.

Anova, an NGO dedicated to improving health of all South Africans with particular emphasis on HIV, will then curate a selection of its favourite pieces for display at its offices and to a broader audience, at an unveiling event. The artists selected will be offered between R1,000 and R10,000 (in addition to framing and couriering costs) for their creations.

According to Nina Morris Lee, Head of Marketing for Anova, "We could have just gone to a gallery to buy work that is already receiving recognition, but decided that it would be great to give those unseen artists an opportunity to have their work up in lights. We know that only a fraction of artists have a chance of ever having their work recognised, so this was the perfect platform."

To further spur creativity and guide content, Anova is hosting a series of themes each week, such as 'Show Me the Love' and 'Brave'.

"The brave theme makes reference to the recently launched 'WeTheBrave' sexual health campaign, spearheaded by the Anova Health Institute and funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The campaign calls on men who have sex with men (MSM) to be brave enough to practice responsible sex and get tested in order prevent new HIV infections as well as to use antiretroviral treatment when and if they need it," explains Morris Lee.

The 'Art for Anova' initiative, running up until the end of October 2015, is open to artists that have not been represented by a gallery previously. Artists wishing to take part should post their image on the wall of the Institute's Facebook page and reference it as 'Art for Anova'.