Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/25/2023

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PUBLIC HEALTH AND BELONGING Public art addresses public health and personal illness by reducing stress, providing a sense of belonging, and addressing stigmas towards those with mental health issues. REASONING: Strong social cohesion creates a positive environment, which in turn supports both physical health and mental well-being of the community. By both engaging in public artwork development and facing artwork in the environment, individuals become aware of others and their role in their com- munity. Public artworks can address negative stigma issues towards another culture or group by providing another perspective when considering peoples of different backgrounds. Additionally, located in healing spaces such as hospitals, public art improves healthcare and the healing process by providing an aesthetically interesting place for providers to work in and for patients to heal. EXAMPLES ■ Mural Arts Philadelphia researched the impact of public art on mental health with their Porch ht project where they found "a promising and sustained relative decrease in stigma toward individuals with mental illness, and a relative decrease in stress" Mikyoung Kim's Ripple Garden at Miami Jackson Hospital in Miami, Florida was designed as an opportunity for fresh air, light exercise, therapeutic gardening, and offering covered seating to accommodate patients whose medications are adversely affected by sunlight. San Francisco Hospitals have a plethora of exterior and interior works of public art which provide several benefits from creating healthy environments to connecting with the community in which the hospital is situated. DATA: Public art can function as a powerful catalyst for improved mental and physical health. Public art has been shown to have clear public health impacts including decreased stress, eliciting awe, developing shared identity, reinforcing self -efficacy, and Dromotina Dositive health behaviors. Art located in hospitals offer major opportunities in the delivery of better health and improved experiences for patients, service users, and staff alike. Public art is also noted as slowing pedestrians down to enjoy their space and providing a positive impact on mood. } LEFT: "Ethereal Bodies 8" by Cliff Garten at the Zuckerberg General Hospital and Trauma Center in San Francisco, CA. 2016. Commissioned by San Francisco Arts Commission, 2016. Photo credit: Jeremy Green. RIGHT TOP AND BOTTOM: "Ripple Garden" by Mikyoung Kim at the South Community Hospital in Miami, FL. Commissioned by Miami Dade County Art in Public Places, 2011. Photo credit: Robin Hill.