ARTFULLY AWARE

CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CHANGE.

Artfully AWARE (AfA) is an international not for profit organization that connects communities, collaborates with local partners and generates positive change in people’s lives through advocacy events and innovative community development projects.

Our Vision

Our philosophy is to inspire each one of us to recognize our power as an individual to promote change. Whether advocating for human rights, facilitating educational workshops or teaching income generating skills in rural communities, we bring a creative global perspective to society.

BETTY ACIVE / CHRISTINE ADEE

“You are always coming with new ideas, teaching us to draw pictures and write stories. It is so good for older people, like me.” “AfA, you should continue training with us so that markets can be expanded for our products. We don’t want to forget what you taught us.”

WHERE WE WORK

We have 3 branches: AfA UK, AfA USA, AfA Africa. Each team takes different steps to accomplish our shared vision. Read about our individual projects to learn more.

SUPPORT US

Artfully AWARE invests in programs and projects to create a lasting difference. Your generosity allows our work to help others. Connect with other global citizens and make change happen.

What We're Up To: PRESERVING MARDI GRAS CULTURE

The collaborative partnership with the ECFLF and Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians are currently allowing AfA to connect the underserved population of at-risk Central City youth and their families to the performing, written and visual arts. The Creole Wild West Mardi Gras Indians are a Central City-based tribe with a long history and legacy in New Orleans culture. Together, we work every Saturday with the children and families to share the heritage, art and oral history of this tradition. This includes creating artwork that elaborates components of the traditional Indian costume and the performances of traditional chants and dances. Read more...

What We're Up To: AfA AT THE MUSEUM OF ART

"The New Orleans Museum of Art opened its doors to host a Friday night with Artfully AWARE as a part of our Where Y'Art programming. The event was a visual dream of NOMA's permanent collection mixing together with the eclectic artwork of children, adults and internationally recognized artists brought in by AfA. During the span of five hours, nearly 2,000 guests came to the Museum to view this unique exhibition. The vibe throughout the night was one of celebration and the love for art. There were over 100 participating schools, community groups, health centers, organizations and professional artists." Read more...

What We're Up To: THE STORYBOOK OF THE ACHOLI

Our storybook entitled The Story of the Acholi - A Village Tale from Uganda was born out of a project that encouraged Acholi community members living in Gulu, northern Uganda to write, paint and perform about their personal stories consisting of family, positive health and peace & reconciliation after the 20 year civil war. Our storybook is written in both English and Acholi languages, is full of colorful illustrations, displays photographs of participating community members and captures personal quotes about this intimate and empowering project. We are pleased to announce it is now available through Amazon.com. Read more...

AfA Partner: ONE MILLION BONES

On April 7th hundreds of people from around New Orleans gathered to lay down 50,000 handmade bones; honoring victims and survivors of ongoing conflicts in Congo, Sudan and Somalia. This city-wide event represented a preview of what will be produced on the National Mall in D.C. next year. The event included a reception with entertainment and speakers from D.R. Congo and Rwanda. Read more...

CONNECT. COLLABORATE. CHANGE: UK / USA / AFRICA

AfA UK develops creative and innovative projects that encourage individuals to take responsibility as active global citizens. AfA USA advocates for human rights by creating and participating in events and exhibitions. We strive to represent communities’ issues and challenges through celebrations of cultural diversity and identity. AfA Africa Africa helps restore the lives of people through teaching new skills. Read more...

AfA Partner: PANZI FOUNDATION

March 31st was the opening reception for Peace Should Not Be This Fragile – A Portrait of Panzi with Special Guest: Michael Berenbaum, Ph.D. Through the artwork of area students and Philadelphia-based sculptor Peter Frantz, visitors to the Florida Holocaust Museum learn about the humanitarian crisis and the vibrant culture imperiled by violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Read more...

Changing Lives: Irene Akiring

“I tested HIV positive in 2001. I joined Kwapa Post Test Club and also joined a savings program whereby they could lend me money and pay back with interest. Help to encourage our various activities. Our painting and coloring is now beginning to earn us a living, and we are pleased that AfA is giving us vigor. We shall continue living positively.” Read more...

Changing Lives: Kevin Angala

“I began getting encouragement and strength when we started music, dance and drama, hygiene and sanitation practices with AfA. These activities have helped me bring up my children since I lost my husband, and I am now strong. I can do my work and business like a normal person.” Read more...

Get Involved: Be Artfully AWARE

Is it possible that we have lost our ability as individuals to feel that we can make a difference? Here’s your call to action. Join our cause through social media and follow what we do. Support our work. Help fund projects that change people’s lives.

Make a difference. Connect. Collaborate. Change. Become Artfully AWARE.

UKinfo@artfullyaware.org • USAinfo@artfullyaware.org • AFRICAinfo@artfullyaware.org