Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is the only contemporary arts organization fully committed to raising AIDS awareness and creating dialogue around HIV issues today, by producing and presenting visual art projects, exhibitions, public forums and publications – while assisting artists living with HIV/AIDS. It is committed to preserving and honoring the work of artists with HIV/AIDS and the artistic contributions of the AIDS movement. It embraces diversity and difference in its staff, leadership, artists and audiences.

Visual AIDS uses the power of art as a catalyst to engage public response, dialogue and scholarship around HIV/AIDS through presenting contemporary art exhibitions, artist projects, public events and publications. It produces catalogs and printed matter. Year-round it collaborates with teachers and students to facilitate research and special projects.