The Artists Alliance Against Violence Inc. was founded in 1995 and grew out of the need to create solutions for interpersonal violence. By creating vehicles for individuals to express themselves through the arts and be respectfully heard, AAAV Inc. reduces the frustration that leads to violence. Some of these vehicles have been community arts programs, small performing groups and videos. We promote the following arts: dance, music, visual arts, poetry, crafts, and theatre.

Through the "12 Steps for Abusers and Victims Anonymous" and the accompanying videos "A Slice of the Pie: A Cross Section of Domestic Violence and Abuse from the Kitchen to the Courthouse, Parts 1 and 2", we have assisted individuals and groups all over the world in their healing process. In addition to these community arts programs, we are currently focusing on a 12 person group of musicians and dancers, "A Perfect Gift: All That Is Jazz™," which provides young artists with non-violent first job opportunities and an opportunity to show their own choreography and compositions.

Jazz is a sublime example of how the violence of slavery has been transformed into a national classical music form that embraces people of all races and sociological backgrounds.

Accomplishments:

"A Perfect Gift: All That Is Jazz™" has produced a demo DVD and numerous programs, original choreography, and a full length CD of original jazz. These young artists have been compensated for their rehearsal time and performance thanks to generous contributions.

Objectives:

• Produce 2 more Cd s of original compositions.
• To produce an evening long Dance and Music Revue program which can go on tour.
• Develop "A Perfect Gift: All That Is Jazz™" as a self sufficient performing group.