via Sero Project
The HIV is Not a Crime Hospitality and Culture Work Group is now taking applications for the HINAC6 HUMANities Art contest! New name, same power from the people! HINAC6 and our partner organizations are inviting anyone living with HIV to submit work that "centers on the lives and art of people living with HIV". An application submission webinar is scheduled for all interested on November 26th at 6:00 p.m. ET. Please register through this link, the recording and slides will be shared after the webinar when the application goes live.
Past submissions maintained the guiding principles of challenging stigma, elevating the voices of people impacted by criminalization, being accurate, and thinking beyond behavior. This year, there is a chance for three people to win a scholarship to HINAC; one winner from each category of Visual Art, Written Art, and Spoken Word. Winners will also have their work transposed into a postcard to be sent out in educational campaigns for the public, including legislators.
In seeking to amplify the voices of people living with HIV, submissions will also be accepted globally; however, due to the value of scholarship, winners can only be selected from within the continental United States. Kamaria Laffrey, HINAC6 Co-Coordinator and Hospitality and Culture Work Group Co-Chair states: "I believe that art has the unique power to break down stigma, spark critical conversations, and humanize the fight against HIV criminalization. Through creative expression, we can amplify voices, challenge outdated laws, and inspire communities to demand justice and compassion. While we regret the limitations on scholarship eligibility, every voice matters, and this contest remains a vital platform for advocacy beyond legislative strategies and community education."
HIV is Not a Crime Training Academy (HINAC) is a biennial gathering of people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV policy leaders, and other stakeholders, primarily from the U.S., that educates and trains advocates and centers PLHIV leadership to end HIV criminalization, mass incarceration, racism, and social injustice.
Previous HINAC Art Contest winner Stacey Jennings states, "I entered the contest because as my art brings out the best in me and is soothing to my spirit, I know my work is capable of doing the same for others. It reminds me constantly that I am/we are living gracefully every day and that HIV Is Not A Crime; it’s only a diagnosis."
Applicants can submit work via photos, uploading short videos or documents to show their expression of what it means to them when laws target people living with HIV for prosecution and excessive punishment to make them solely responsible for the sexual health decisions of others. Applications will go live when the webinar ends.
Register now for the application process webinar on November 26th at 6 pm ET.
For more information on HIV is Not a Crime National Training Academy, visit our Facebook page or go to https://www.seroproject.com/hinac/ or, please contact Tami Haught, HINAC Co-Executive Director at tami.haught@seroproject.com.
