Artist inspires Ugandan children
American artist Hilary Wallis has been working with Plan and the well-known Ugandan artist Justin Igala to pioneer an art project in Uganda.
The Development Art Project
 The Development Art Project is an initiative that acts both as an expression of African culture and a therapeutic outlet for members of the community.
On behalf of Plan, Ms. Wallis spent two months teaching children in communities affected by HIV and AIDS, poverty and other related issues, how to use art as a vehicle for education, empowerment, and expression. Additional benefits have included reducing stigma and uplifting confidence levels of vulnerable women and children.
Spearheading the art programme in Uganda's Tororo and Kampala regions, Ms. Wallis said; "This is more than just a project - it's a vehicle for change," she continued; "Exploring art as a form of social and emotional development is enabling Ugandans to connect not only with their own feelings, but with other members of their communities. In the short period I've been here, I have already witnessed the healing power of art as a tool to empower the individual, promote awareness of the issues, and provide foundations of growth within an entire community."
Community participation
 The Development Art Project embraces a large cross-section of participants in the communities including youth centres, secondary schools, health centres and even homes of outpatients. The programme also involves Post Test Clubs, an innovative Plan programme that provides support groups and education initiatives on HIV and AIDS testing.
Ms. Wallis' visit to Uganda culminated with two full-scale exhibitions and celebrations. The events gave over 150 new artists the platform to showcase their pieces, articulate the vision behind their work, and perform songs to verbalise their emotions. At its conclusion, all artwork was auctioned by Plan with the proceeds used to benefit the communities.
Visit a virtual village
Visit a virtual village
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