The Condom Project (TCP) works globally to introduce and educate communities to life-saving information about condoms. Founded by AIDS educators, activists and artists, TCP is dedicated to using art, performance and educational programs to get people talking about condoms.

The “Condom Art Pin,” TCP’s most recognized program, is currently used in 10 countries to overcome societal barriers to discussing condoms. Communities create wearable pieces of art using condoms, and in doing so, become comfortable to discuss condoms and their use on a larger scale. Most recently, TCP created “30 Seconds: A Visual Voice.” Targeted at youth, aged 13 to 24, participants are asked to create a 30-second video clip desensitizing communities to condoms. These videos have no dialogue, only music, and are not sexual in nature.

In preparation for AIDS 2006, TCP approached Toronto as we have other sites around the world – we found and engaged with existing community organizations where our innovative techniques served as icebreakers to discussions about condoms, HIV/AIDS and other life-saving information.

At AIDS 2006, TCP ran condom art pin-making tables and screened its 30-second videos throughout the conference: at MTCC, the Viral Culture Stage at Yonge and Dundas Square and in satellite venues around Toronto. With our associates from India, Thailand and Uganda, TCP facilitated presentations on the critical issues surrounding AIDS affected communities in global settings. Last but not least, TCP threw a party for youth and produced a hip-hop concert, all in the name of AIDS awareness.

AIDS 2006, the XVI International AIDS Conference, is the world’s largest HIV/AIDS conference and provides an international, open and independent forum for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and research, which will inform HIV/AIDS programs and strengthen prevention, treatment and care efforts worldwide.

Visit AIDS 2006 (create link to www.aids2006.org) and the International AIDS Society (www.iasociety.org) on the web for more.