The UCSD AIDS Research Institute (ARI) and the ZATA (Zimbabwe AIDS Treatment Assistance) Project

Please join us! The UC San Diego AIDS Research Institute (ARI) and the ZATA (Zimbabwe AIDS Treatment Assistance) Projecthave teamed up to sponsor an exhibit to sell Zimbabwean paintings, masks and story quilts. Proceeds will benefit HIV-infected Zimbabweans and support HIV/AIDS research at UCSD. The majority of the net proceeds will go to the ZATA Project and will be used to buy anti-HIV medication for Zimbabweans infected with HIV. A portion of the net proceeds will be used to support research in HIV treatment, prevention and vaccine development at UCSD. The UCSD ARI is actively involved in research studies in Zimbabwe as well as nine other countries. Both ZATA and the UCSD ARI are 501(c)3 organizations. All art purchases are partially tax deductible.


A number of University of California San Diego and University of Colorado physicians and researchers, including Drs. Robert Schooley, Constance Benson, and Tom Campbell, have collaborated on HIV/AIDS clinical trials with the University of Zimbabwe faculty. These scientists will be present at the art exhibit to tell you about this most important lifesaving work, as will Dr. Douglas Richman, the Director of the UCSD AIDS Research Institute and the Center for AIDS Research. This art exhibit is a unique opportunity for Southern Californians to contribute to an important cause and, at the same time, purchase wonderful paintings and crafts rarely seen outside of Zimbabwe.

The exhibit will include more than 80 original Zimbabwean paintings, African masks, and Weya Village story quilts. Zimbabwean painting is noted for its use of vibrant primary colors and active scenes of both everyday life and important celebrations.


We hope everyone will plan to attend! For more information, please contact Ms. Kim Schafer, Administrative Director, AIDS Research Institute, University of California, San Diego, (858) 534-5545 or email at kschafer@ucsd.edu.