Appeals: United Artists' Association

Shima 1993, oil on paper, by Peter Wells. The painting is part of an exhibition of the artist's drawings and paintings, inspired by his travels in India, being held in London until 13 August. All the works of art are for sale and the proceeds will benefit the United Artists' Association (UAA), a community-based charity in India working in partnership with the charity ActionAid, an international aid organisation.

The UAA - which was founded in 1983 by Professor G. Panda, a philosopher and lawyer - helps the people of Orissa, one of the poorest states in India situated on the eastern coast of the peninsula. It works in 365 villages and 301 government schools. Here, 44 per cent of the total population live below the poverty line compared to the national average of 30 per cent. The people rely on agriculture and fishing as their main occupations and the UAA has helped form two fishermen's co-operatives for 25 fishermen; trained 55 fisherwomen in how to obtain government grants; and helped 26 young people to attend a course on intensive prawn farming. The UAA's priorities for 1994 are to set up a rehabilitation programme for people with disabilities, providing them with training in trades and crafts; and to open a new high school for children who have, until now, been denied government-provided education because their villages are so remote.

The exhibition is being held at the Music Studios, 29 Marylebone Lane, London W1M 5FH, telephone 071-486 0025. For further information about UAA and ActionAid, contact: ActionAid, Hamlyn House, Macdonald Road, Archway, London N19 5PG, telephone 071-281 4101.

(Photograph omitted)