When I was 11 years old, my grandfather had a heart-to-heart conversation with me about not taking my education for granted. He told me that his sisters weren’t allowed to go to school because back then, getting married and having kids were all that girls in his town were expected to aspire to. I remember being overcome with feelings of anger and sadness. I couldn’t imagine my brother going to school while I stayed at home. I wished I could have been there to advocate for my grandaunts.

​

I soon discovered that this was not just a thing of the past, and that women all over the world continue to suffer as a result of systemic inequities and cultural mindsets that foster gender inequality. I was troubled to find that there are still girls who, like my grandaunts, do not have access to education. These girls are at high risk of becoming child brides and living their lives in poverty. At this moment, girls and women are being exploited, sold into modern-day slavery, forced to work for unequal pay, and struggle to gain access to basic necessities and opportunities.

 

I became determined to do my part in battling these problems. Inspired by Pablo Picasso and Kevin Carter who drew the world’s attention to the devastation of the Spanish and Sudanese civil wars respectively, causing many to take action that helped humanity, I created the Art to Action Foundation.

 

My vision is to bring artists together to raise awareness of social issues, use our talent and resources to support individual and societal transformation, create cultural shifts, and facilitate action that makes the world more equitable for all people.

​

At The Art to Action Foundation, we amplify the voices of organizations that we have carefully selected for their commitment to combating social issues. We raise funds for them, create awareness of their work, and volunteer our time and services to support them. Whether we are creating art in exchange for donations, curating art shows, organizing community events, or teaching free art classes, we translate our creativity and passion into action that supports social change that benefits disadvantaged girls and women.

 

I hope that you will come on this adventure with me. Together, we can make the world a better place for girls and women.  

​

​

~Teni J. Aina, Founder