Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: April 17, 2024
• Invested on: December 12, 2024

Joe Brock Average, C.M., O.B.C.
Vancouver, British Columbia

Joe Average is a revered Vancouver artist, human rights activist and philanthropist. His colourful, pop-inflected images have adorned Vancouver’s cityscape since the late 1980s. Diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at age 27, he used his art to advocate for people living with HIV, and shared his personal story to raise awareness of the stigma associated with AIDS. He has donated his work to support charitable organizations that support people with terminal illnesses.