Murals with Meaning: How Public Art Creates Conversations About Mental Health
Hearts 4 Minds is committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness. Breaking down these walls comes in many forms such as improving access to proper care resources, training sessions aimed at helping others recognize the signs of mental health struggles, community partnerships, as well as through other creative means. One way we do this is through our Murals with Meaning initiative throughout the Jacksonville, FL area. Art is a powerful tool and allows individuals to slow down and think about the meaning of the imagery they are seeing.
Through our series of twenty murals (and growing!) around the region, we aim to promote mental health awareness and access to services for those who need it the most in Northeast Florida. These murals are a visual representation and nod to mental health awareness, and it is our goal that these murals inspire someone in need to access the help they deserve.
We partner with talented local artists to create these murals that are centered around the theme of reducing and eliminating the stigma around mental health through compassion and understanding. In addition, we provide mental health resources for individuals to continue their positive mental health journey. Since starting this initiative in 2021, our murals have been featured in a variety of locations in and around Jacksonville including at baseball stadiums, schools, in neighborhoods, and at local businesses.
Our first mural, completed in May 2021, is featured at the 121 Financial Ballpark, home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp baseball team. This mural was designed to bring the Jacksonville community together and was the catalyst for many more murals.
We also believe in strong partnerships with local schools and universities, including the River City Science Academy, Jacksonville University, and Edward Waters University. We currently have five murals at the various River City Science Academy campuses, each reminding the students that their positive words and actions make a lasting impact around the world. At both Jacksonville University and Edward Waters University, our murals serve as a reminder to students that mental health resources are available.
Murals can also be seen across the different neighborhoods in Jacksonville including our Generations mural in Avondale, symbolizing the numerous generations who have called Avondale home. Our mural at the Hilliard Parks Building is a collaboration with Arts & Culture Nassau and was designed with input from the local community. The mural showcases the town’s heritage with our dragonfly logo, symbolizing hope, courage, and positive change.
Each mural is designed to inspire compassion and understanding, while reducing the stigma around mental illness. Our murals are a creative way to remind people to slow down and reflect.
We are just getting started and plan to collaborate with more artists and businesses around Jacksonville to create more murals. If you are interested in learning more about sponsoring our next mural, reach out to Hearts 4 Minds today! If you would like to help support us in furthering our mission in other ways, you can also explore our volunteer opportunities, wear our merchandise, and donate to Hearts 4 Minds.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, Text LIFE to 741741. Trained therapists are available 24/7 to assist. You are not alone!