2024 Illustration Contest
Illustrate for an AIDS-free Generation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) invites established and emerging illustrators from around the globe to share their interpretation of “What does an AIDS-free generation mean to you?” With a special People-Centered Care category sponsored by Gilead. This category focuses on illustrations that depict the importance of people-centered care in achieving an AIDS-free generation. With a panel of internationally renowned judges, the competition offers an opportunity to inspire artists to showcase their talents by illustrating their unique vision.
Meet the Winners
Established Artist



Emerging Artist



People-Centered Care


Winning Illustrations will be displayed at the 2024 Umbrella Art Fair. The Fair will take place on November 15th-17th at Dock 5 Union Market. Click here for more information.
Prizes
Prize | Emerging Artist | Established Artist | People-Centered Care |
---|---|---|---|
Grand | $800 | $1,200 | $700 |
2nd | $400 | $600 | $300 |
3rd | $200 | $300 | $175 |
Winners will also receive:
- Print Recognition: Winners will be featured in print in the EGPAF Annual Report 2025.
- Digital Recognition: Winners will be featured on the EGPAF website and social channels.
- Umbrella Art Fair: Winners from each category will have the extraordinary opportunity to showcase their winning work at the prestigious Umbrella Art Fair in November 2024 in Washington, DC. The Umbrella Art Fair is renowned for bringing together talented artists worldwide and offering a platform for innovative and diverse artistic expressions. This event takes place in Washington, DC, over three days in November and attracts art enthusiasts, collectors, and industry professionals, providing significant exposure and recognition for participating artists.
- Masterclass: Winners will have the opportunity to speak with a judge of their choice via a video call. This personalized feedback session will provide valuable insights and guidance.
Meet the Judges
Gail Anderson
Gail Anderson is Chair of BFA Design and BFA Advertising at the School of Visual Arts and Creative Director at Visual Arts Press. Anderson serves on the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee for the U.S. Postal Service and the advisory boards of Poster House and The One Club for Creativity. She is an AIGA Medalist, the 2018 recipient of the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement, and a 2022 Art Directors Club Manship Medallion Honoree. Her work is represented in the Library of Congress’ permanent collection, the Milton Glaser Design Archives, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Nigel Buchanan
Illustrator Nigel Buchanan’s work is all about whimsical concepts and people… lots of people. His powerful and distinct portraits have appeared in dozens of international editorials and covers, including Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, Don Cheadle, Beck for Billboard Magazine, and Kim Jong Un for Newsweek. He crossed off a bucket list item when asked to create a cover for TIME Magazine featuring Indian Prime Minister Modi. He also created 21 portraits for TIME’s annual TIME 100 issue. Clients include TIME, Der Spiegel, Variety, New York Times, Newsweek, Golf Digest, Fortune, Rolling Stone, 8by8 magazine, and The Hollywood Reporter, among many others.
David Duong, MD, MPH
David Duong, MD, MPH, is the Director of the Harvard Medical School Program in Global Primary Care and Social Change. In this position, David is responsible for the overall strategy development, partnership engagement, programmatic activities, and donor relations for the Program in Global Primary Care and Social Change at Harvard Medical School to meet the goals and mission of Harvard Medical School as well as the local, national and global primary care community. He also provides teaching, mentorship, and career development support to students, residents, junior faculty, and staff.
Tema Mkhonta
Tema Mkhonta, born in the Kingdom of Eswatini, is a passionate advocate and accomplished nurse with a profound dedication to public health. As an EGPAF Ambassador, Tema has transformed her personal challenges into a driving force for change, joining the Committee of African Youth Advisors and becoming a prominent voice in the fight against HIV. She graduated from the University of Eswatini with a degree in Nursing and Midwifery Science and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health. As an EGPAF Ambassador, Tema aims to inspire others with her story. In her free time, Tema enjoys writing poems, using her creativity as a personal outlet and source of strength.
Sindiso Nyoni
Sindiso Nyoni is a Bulawayo (Zimbabwe) born, self developed Graphic artist who has been described as a contemporary illustrator, activist, street-artist, and multi-disciplinary graphic designer. He obtained a BTech degree in Graphic Design from the University of Johannesburg and has worked as an illustrator and art director in the South African advertising sector. Also known as R!OT, his work has been published locally; exhibited at International Biennial Poster Exhibitions and he has collaborated on projects which have won Cannes Lion and Clio awards.
Cheryl R. Riley
Cheryl R. Riley has navigated her way into her true calling as an Artist through many roads. She began in college, majoring in fashion and minoring in art. After their father’s passing, with her inheritance, she began designing furniture for her home utilizing the cabinetmaking abilities of her girlfriend and other artisans and craftspeople in the Hunters Point warehouse district. This led to museum commissions and seats on museum boards, including Capp Street Project, the first site-specific artist residency in the U.S. There, she championed artists of the Black African diaspora. She chaired the Society for Contemporary Art auxiliary at SFMOMA and began exhibiting at galleries on both coasts. She also has exhibited in, had works acquired and/or commissioned for two SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS, SFMoMA, LACMA, MINT MUSEUM of ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, OAKLAND MUSEUM, BROOKLYN MUSEUM and the MUSE’E DES BEAUX-ARTS DE MONTREAL, among others.
Sponsors and Partners
Inspiration Sponsor
Creativity Sponsor
SVA—BFA Design & BFA Advertising
Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is EGPAF holding an illustration contest?
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) is holding an illustration contest to engage the creative community in raising awareness about the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDS. The contest provides a platform for artists to express their vision of an AIDS-free generation, fostering a deeper connection with the cause. By leveraging the power of art, EGPAF aims to inspire advocacy, educate the public, and promote its mission.
2. Why is there an entry fee for the contest?
As a nonprofit organization, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) relies on various funding sources to support its mission of ending HIV and AIDS in children. The entry fee helps cover administrative costs associated with organizing the contest and ensures that it can be conducted professionally. Many art contests implement entry fees as a standard practice to manage operational expenses effectively while supporting their causes.
3. Why does EGPAF charge an entry fee while other contests do not?
As a nonprofit organization, EGPAF needs to cover the costs of organizing the contest, including administrative expenses and prize money. The entry fee ensures we can run the contest professionally and continue to support our mission of ending HIV and AIDS in children. While some contests may have different funding models, the entry fee for our contest helps sustain our nonprofit efforts and rewards participating artists.
4. How will the winning entries be used or displayed?
Winning entries will be displayed at the Umbrella Art Fair and featured in various EGPAF communications. The artwork will be showcased on a dedicated landing page on the EGPAF website and displayed at EGPAF events throughout the year.
5. Who owns the art submitted to the contest?
Artists retain ownership of their submitted artwork. However, by entering the contest, artists grant EGPAF the right to use, display, and promote the submitted artwork in connection with the contest and EGPAF’s mission. This includes but is not limited to, showcasing the artwork on EGPAF’s website, social media channels, and at EGPAF events. Artists will be credited.
6. Why are artists providing free artwork for EGPAF’s use?
By participating in the contest, artists contribute to EGPAF’s mission of ending HIV and AIDS in children. In return for their submission, artists gain exposure, recognition, and the opportunity to have their work displayed at prominent events and online platforms. While EGPAF uses the artwork to promote its mission, the artists retain ownership and are credited for their work. This mutually beneficial arrangement helps further EGPAF’s advocacy and provides artists valuable professional opportunities.
7. How are the judges selected, and are they qualified?
The judges for the contest are internationally renowned professionals with extensive experience in art, design, and public health. Our esteemed panel includes:
- Gail Anderson: An AIGA Medalist and Creative Director at Visual Arts Press, Anderson is also Chair of BFA Design and BFA Advertising at the School of Visual Arts. Her work is represented in the Library of Congress’s permanent collection and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- Nigel Buchanan: A renowned illustrator known for his whimsical and powerful portraits, Buchanan’s work has appeared in major international publications such as TIME, Newsweek, and Billboard Magazine.
- David Duong, MD, MPH: Director of the Harvard Medical School Program in Global Primary Care and Social Change, Duong is responsible for strategy development and programmatic activities at Harvard Medical School.
- Tema Mkhonta: An accomplished nurse and advocate from Eswatini, Mkhonta is a prominent voice in the fight against HIV and a member of the Committee of African Youth Advisors.
- Sindiso Nyoni: A contemporary illustrator, activist, and graphic designer from Zimbabwe, Nyoni’s work has been exhibited internationally and has won numerous awards, including Cannes Lions and Clio awards.
- Cheryl R. Riley: An artist and curator with significant contributions to the art world, Riley’s work has been featured in numerous galleries and exhibitions, adding a diverse and experienced perspective to the judging panel.
Questions and inquiries about the EGPAF Illustration Contest can be emailed to rhussin@pedaids.org