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December 1, 2012, marks the J. Paul Getty Museum's 23rd observance of Day Without Art, a time when the international arts community pauses to remember and respond to the AIDS crisis and its impact on cultural life.
Day Without Art unites organizations and individuals around the world in observance of
the AIDS epidemic and the toll it has taken on the arts community.
On the Blog: Robert Mapplethorpe: A Year before His Death
Getty curator Paul Martineau shares his thoughts on Day Without Art on our blog, The Iris. Participate in the conversation and share your reflections. Visit the blog »
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which slowly destroys the body's ability to fight infections.
HIV is not casually transmitted. The virus can be passed from one person to another through unprotected sex, sharing intravenous needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding. HIV cannot be contracted from dishes, towels, or toilets, or by caring for a person with AIDS.
HIV rarely kills people with AIDS; instead, death results from the effects of opportunistic infections (those that take advantage of the body's weakened state). Many of these diseases are preventable with proper medical attention.
World AIDS Day 2012: Getting to Zero
December 1, 2012, marks the 23rd anniversary of World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day is devoted to raising money, increasing awareness, fighting prejudice, and improving education. Between 2011–2015, World AIDS Days will have the theme of "Getting to zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths." The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS related deaths" signifies a push toward greater access to treatment for all—a call for governments to act now. It is a call to honor promises like the Abuja declaration and for African governments to at least hit targets for domestic spending on health and HIV.
World AIDS Day is an important way to remind people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.
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As the list of those affected by AIDS grows longer, it becomes increasingly important to act on a personal level.
- Raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in your area.
- Wear a red ribbon and ask others to do the same.
- Protect yourself and your partners. This is the first and best way to stop the spread of HIV.
- Volunteer your time at a local AIDS organization.
- Make a contribution to an AIDS organization.
- Take care of yourself. If you have any reason to believe you may be infected, get tested, anonymously and for free. For a directory of test sites, call the California AIDS Hotline at (800) 922-2437.
Volunteer Your Time
The following organizations need volunteers:
Donate Your Dollars
Contributions can be made to the groups listed above or to the following organizations:
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Event Calendar
