The Creation of the Red AIDS Awareness Ribbon

A Project of the Visual AIDS Artist Caucus

Nov 24, 2008

The red ribbon was developed by Visual AIDS in 1991, through The Ribbon Project. The red ribbon quickly became and international symbol for AIDS awareness.

Arguably, the most recognizable symbol for AIDS awareness is the red ribbon. While there are a number of ribbons designed to commemorate events and illnesses, the AIDS awareness ribbon was one of the first emblems of its kind. Still worn today, this creation helps to raise awareness for the HIV epidemic around the world.

The Creation of the Red Ribbon

The red ribbon was the creation of the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus. At a meeting in 1991, the group met to develop a symbol that would invoke compassion for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. At the time, yellow ribbons were being word to honor the American soldiers who were serving in the Gulf war. This image sparked the imagination of the artists involved and moved them to create a similar symbol for HIV/AIDS.

The name of the ensuing collaboration was The Ribbon Project. When the group set out, they had a vision to create a symbol that would follow three guidelines. First, the result would be credited to the Visual AIDS Artists Caucus, not the individual participants. Second, the resulting product would not be copyrighted, so anyone could have access to using the image. Finally, the product would be used for raising AIDS awareness, not for commercial purposes.

The AIDS Awareness Ribbon Today

The final product was the red AIDS awareness ribbon that is still used today. The color red was chosen because it invoked the idea of blood and passion. The project officially launched during the 1991 Tony Awards. Prior to the show, presenters and nominees were all asked to wear the ribbon, and a number of celebrities chose to participate. During the Tony Awards, British actor Jeremy Irons became the first person to be seen on television wearing the red AIDS awareness ribbon.

Today, the red ribbon remains a symbol of support for those living with HIV. Around the world, the ribbon is used by individuals seeking to raise awareness for the AIDS pandemic. The ribbon is often associated with the December 1 commemoration of World AIDS Day, since red ribbons are often distributed on this date; however, year round display of the ribbon is highly encouraged.

About Visual AIDS

Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is a group of artists seeking to unite the artistic community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The original project by this group, A Day Without Art, is still used to demonstrate what the world would be like if art did not exist because of the AIDS epidemic. The group continues to promote AIDS awareness through a number of consciousness raising campaigns based in the art community.

Engle, Laura. "Where Have All the Ribbons Gone?: AIDS Symbols-- Compassion or Fashion?" Body Positive: January/February 2000.

The copyright of the article The Creation of the Red AIDS Awareness Ribbon in AIDS/HIV is owned by Jamie Robertson. Permission to republish The Creation of the Red AIDS Awareness Ribbon in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.