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April 24, 2009 – The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today the publication of its first Photography Portfolio to benefit urgently needed grant-making initiatives supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate AIDS-related discrimination and stigma, and direct care services. “The Portfolio is a way for us to connect with the visual arts world, which has always been at the forefront in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and it is proof that artists continue to care,” said Scott Campbell, Executive Director of the Foundation.
 
The result of a very happy marriage between two of Sir Elton’s greatest passions, collecting photographic art and raising money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Portfolio includes some of the most outstanding international names: Nan Goldin, Katy Grannan, Damien Hirst, Sally Mann, Richard Misrach, Shirin Neshat, Thomas Struth, Sam Taylor-Wood, Juergen Teller and Ruud van Empel. All these artists are also represented in Sir Elton’s own collection. “I am both thrilled by the extraordinary array of art that has been contributed to this collection and profoundly grateful to the generous and talented artists represented within for supporting EJAF’s vital work,” said Sir Elton.
 
Comprised of ten prints and published by Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta, the limited edition boxed Portfolio will sell for $25,000 and constitutes an extraordinary set for collectors or collecting organizations. The prints, in an edition of 40, with 12 artists proofs, were produced under the supervision of the artists. The Portfolio will be presented in a 20 x 24 inch box designed by Li. Inc.
An online preview is available at www.ejaf.org/portfolio, and a full list of works is available upon demand.
 
In order to provide the Los Angeles community with an opportunity to view the works, the Portfolio will be on view in Los Angeles from October 24 to Novermber 7, 2009 at M+B Gallery, located at 612 North Almont Drive, Los Angeles, California 90069, T. (310) 550-0050, Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, with an opening reception on Saturday, October 24, from 7 to 9pm, which will take place on the occasion of the reception for a new exhibition by Mona Kuhn.
 
Previous exhibitions of the portfolio have been held at Lehman Maupin Gallery in New York and Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta.
 
Sales inquiries:
Matt Blinstrubas, Elton John AIDS Foundation
T. (212) 219-0670 | E. matt.blinstrubas@ejaf.org
 
Special thanks: The Elton John AIDS Foundation wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to Nan Goldin, Katy Grannan, Damien Hirst, Sally Mann, Richard Misrach, Shirin Neshat, Thomas Struth, Sam Taylor-Wood, Juergen Teller and Ruud van Empel for their generosity and support. Further, the Elton John AIDS Foundation would like to thank Jane Jackson, curator of the Sir Elton John Photography Collection for her help, guidance and insight; and Anna Walker-Skillman, owner of Jackson Fine Art in Atlanta, GA, for her support and encouragement. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is also grateful for the generous contributions and support from the participating artists’ studios and galleries, and especially to M+B Gallery who will host the exhibition in Los Angeles and Lehmann Maupin Gallery who hosted the  preview event in New York.
 
About the Elton John AIDS Foundation
The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) was established in the United States in 1992 (EJAF-US) and in the United Kingdom in 1993 (EJAF-UK) by founder and chairman Sir Elton John. Together, both entities have raised over $150 million to support HIV/AIDS prevention and service programs in 55 countries around the globe since inception. Today, EJAF is one of the world's leading nonprofit HIV/AIDS organizations supporting innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, and direct care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS. EJAF-US’s current grant-making priorities target HIV prevention programs in the Southern United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America; HIV prevention and care services for highly marginalized and vulnerable populations; and HIV/AIDS prevention, education and the promotion of sexual health for adolescents. For more information on the Elton John AIDS Foundation and its programs, please visit www.ejaf.org