Date: Tue, 19 Jul 1994 15:55:07 -0700 (PDT)
From: Wayne Salazar <visaid@rahul.net>

Following is text of a flyer describing Visual Aid.  We publish a 
quarterly newsletter and press releases come out now and then.


What Is Visual Aid?
	Founded in 1989 by a group of concerned Bay Area 
artists, 
dealers and supporters, Visual Aid exists to help produce, 
present and
preserve the work of professional artists living with AIDS 
and other 
life-threatening illnesses.  Visual Aid grants vouchers 
redeemable for 
supplies at participating stores around the Bay Area.  In 
addition, Visual 
Aid assists its artists by facilitating exhibitions of 
grantees' work, by 
disseminating information and by involving volunteers to 
work as studio 
assistants for our grantees.  An Art Bank distributes 
donated supplies and 
makes equipment loans as another way of keeping artists 
supplied with materials.  Comprised mainly of volunteers, 
Visual Aid supports its programs through the sale of its 
signature designer t-shirts and other merchandise, and 
enjoys the generous support of individuals, businesses, 
foundations and concerned corporations.  It is the only 
charity of its kind in the country.
	One day, we will look back   artist and non-artist - 
and be moved by the work of our era.  Generations from now, 
when the AIDS epidemic and other diseases are written about 
and people look for insights into how we dealt with their 
onslaught, they will look first to our cultural legacy.  
Visual Aid exists to secure that legacy.  Visual Aid exists 
to keep art alive.

How Do I Apply for a Visual Aid Grant?
	Visual Aid makes grants to Bay Area professional visual 
artists whose careers as art professionals have been 
interrupted or seriously impaired by AIDS or another life-
threatening illness.  The artists who are eligible for our 
support are those who make drawings, paintings, prints, 
photographs, sculptures, mixed media pieces, video art or 
installations, who have a history of exhibiting fine art in 
professional galleries, and/or who can demonstrate that 
making fine art has been an integral part of their life 
since well before their diagnosis.  An HIV+ diagnosis does 
not qualify an artist for a grant; also ineligible are 
graphic artists, filmmakers, performance artists, dancers, 
students, amateurs and members of art therapy groups.
  	To apply to the fund, just call the Visual Aid office 
to request an application form.  As part of your completed 
application, you will need to provide the following:
	1.  A statement from a professional medical source - 
doctor, hospital, clinic - saying that you have been 
diagnosed with AIDS, cancer or other life-threatening 
illness.
	2.  Two names of art professionals - working artists, 
gallery owners, art writers, art dealers - who know you and 
can verify that you are a professional fine artist.
	3.  Photographic documentation of your current work.
	
	If you meet these requirements, we invite you to apply 
for a Visual Aid grant.    


Visual Aid's programs are supported in part by the James 
Irvine Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the 
San Francisco Foundation, the San Francisco Arts Commission, 
the California Arts Council, the Gap Foundation, the 
Horizons Foundation, the Bay Guardian Community Fund, 
Community Thrift, and the estate of Michael Paulson.

Visual Aid does not discriminate on the basis of race, 
religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, disability, 
or sexual orientation.

Contact info:  Visual Aid, 785 Market Street, Suite 720, San Francisco, 
CA 94103.  Tel: (415) 777-8242.  FAX: (415) 777-8240.  email: 
visaid@rahul.net