LIVEArt & Mind: Healing Through Creative Connection
ECLA’s 'Art & Mind' initiative hosts three annual community-based meetups that combine mental health support and artistic expression for immigrants, youth, and low-income families in Los Angeles. Each gathering fosters healing, self-expression, and connectedness through culturally-rooted art activities and professional wellness support.
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Health care access
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
South LA City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
Many immigrants and low-income youth in Los Angeles experience social isolation, trauma, and stress without accessible, culturally-responsive mental health resources. Artistic self-expression and communal gatherings are proven to support mental wellbeing, yet opportunities for culturally-rooted creative healing remain limited in underserved communities. This initiative addresses the intersections of mental health, community belonging, and art.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
‘Art & Mind’ will organize three inclusive meetups throughout the year in South Los Angeles, Inglewood, and mid city Los Angeles. Each event will feature facilitated art workshops (e.g., storytelling, painting, traditional Ethiopian crafts), licensed mental health professionals, food, live music, and cultural performances. Sessions will be co-designed with community input to ensure cultural relevance. Attendees will leave with new tools for self-care, a stronger sense of connection, and opportunities for continued engagement with ECLA’s programs.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
If successful, our gatherings will build stronger social ties, reduce stigma around mental health, and empower participants to prioritize their wellbeing. Long-term, ECLA envisions expanding the initiative into a quarterly citywide wellness and art program reaching hundreds of residents annually.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 300
Indirect Impact: 900