Business Details
20 Years
experience
Arts-Based Public Health Interventions for Global Health
Founded in 2006, we are a pioneering organization dedicated to designing and implementing arts-based public health interventions. Our mission focuses on reducing stigma, empowering communities, and driving behavioral change through innovative approaches that blend community engagement, arts activism, and rigorous research. We work across critical areas including comprehensive sexual health education, women's empowerment, gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-racism, and mental health advocacy. Our programs leverage the transformative power of art to foster empathy, challenge societal norms, and promote health equity globally. As part of UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture, we collaborate with a global network of artists, academics, students, and advocates to develop scalable solutions to pressing public health challenges.Our methodology emphasizes de-centered artistic encounters beyond traditional spaces, ensuring accessibility to diverse populations through portable, virtual, and community-level initiatives. We maintain rigorous evaluation frameworks to measure impact while adapting interventions to meet evolving community needs. With a proven track record of innovation, we continue to push boundaries in using creative processes as catalysts for meaningful social change.
Services
Arts-Based Sex Education
Through Positive Eyes
Up to Us
Valentine Toya LeGrand
RaD Lab
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have over 15 years of experience in arts-based public health interventions
- Our programs combine UCLA's academic rigor with creative activism
- We maintain partnerships with leading global health organizations
- Our evidence-based approach ensures measurable impact
- We specialize in reaching underserved communities through accessible art forms
Services
Arts-Based Sex Education
Our innovative programs use theater, humor, and storytelling to deliver comprehensive sexual health education. We create engaging performances that address critical topics like consent, STI prevention, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity while maintaining medical accuracy. Our approach makes complex health information accessible and memorable through artistic expression.
Through Positive Eyes
This initiative empowers 200 individuals living with HIV/AIDS worldwide to share their stories through photography. Participants document their experiences to challenge stigma and promote understanding. The project fosters empathy while creating a global network of voices advocating for HIV awareness and support.
Up to Us
We produce fictional sex education films created by and for youth impacted by the justice system. These narratives address gaps in traditional health education through relatable storytelling. The program focuses on making sexual health information accessible to marginalized young populations through cinematic expression.
Valentine Toya LeGrand
This artistic celebration highlights women heroes and warriors through poetic storytelling. Focusing on Haitian Amazons, it promotes female empowerment and cultural heritage. The program combines performance art with historical narratives to inspire contemporary social change.
RaD Lab
Our research division employs mixed methods to evaluate program effectiveness and develop new intervention strategies. We study the impact of arts-based approaches on health outcomes while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Findings inform both our programming and broader public health practices globally.
People
David Gere
Founder & Director
Dr. David Gere founded the center in 2006 and leads its strategic direction. With extensive experience in arts activism, he has shaped innovative approaches to public health education through creative expression.
Wilna Julmiste Taylor
Associate Director
Ms. Wilna Julmiste Taylor manages program operations and partnerships. Her expertise in public health administration ensures effective implementation of the center's diverse initiatives across multiple locations.
Isaiah Baiseri
Communications Director
Mr. Isaiah Baiseri oversees media strategy and digital outreach. He develops communication materials that effectively convey the center's mission while expanding its public engagement through innovative design.
Arianna Taboada
Research Advisor
Ms. Arianna Taboada provides expertise in program evaluation and research methodology. With dual master's degrees, she ensures scientific rigor in assessing the center's impact on public health outcomes.
Hanni Ress
Community Coordinator
Ms. Hanni Ress manages community engagement for Through Positive Eyes. She facilitates participant involvement and ensures authentic representation of lived experiences in our photo-storytelling initiatives.
Questions
What is your organization's primary mission?
We use arts-based approaches to advance global health through sexual health education, stigma reduction, and community empowerment initiatives.
How do you implement public health interventions?
We combine artistic expression with research to create educational programs that drive behavioral change and promote health equity.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide arts-based sexual health education through performances, photo-storytelling projects, and interactive workshops for diverse audiences.
How can students get involved?
Students can join our Sex Squad performance group, participate in internships, or enroll in related UCLA courses focusing on global health and arts activism.
What research do you conduct?
We evaluate the impact of storytelling, humor, and self-reflection in health education through mixed-methods research and publish findings in academic journals.
Do you collaborate with other organizations?
Yes, we partner with universities, health institutions, and community organizations globally to expand our public health impact.
Reviews (1)
Amanda H.
Apr 17, 2015
Report
This is David Gere's non-profit at UCLA. Incredible people and work for anyone interested in art and activism.
