THE POSITIVE SOCIAL IMPACT OF MURALS

It’s no secret that art has the power to enrich the people it touches. But beyond simply adding beauty to our surroundings - art has the power to actually improve the quality of our lives by strengthening the sense of connection to ourselves and one another. As murals have become increasingly popular in recent years, these positive effects are reaching a much larger audience.

DEMOCRATIZING ART APPRECIATION

Historically, art has been viewed largely within the context of museums and galleries - places that not everyone has access to.

When a piece of art is installed in public, it creates a free and easy opportunity for the local community to enjoy it, removing many of the barriers that often stand in the way of experiencing art. This is especially important when it creates an opportunity for children to interact with art more regularly. It has been widely studied that exposure to art improves cognitive functions and can increase a child's ability to think creatively and problem solve - benefits that should be available to all.

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF VIEWING ART

When standing in front of a piece of art, the viewer is subconsciously asked to slow down, take a breath, and be more present with themselves and what they are absorbing. Art therapist and licensed clinical social worker Sarah Vollmann says that viewing art provides and opportunity for people to learn and find meaning or inspiration in their lives. 

“Various studies have shown that viewing art can heighten our mood, reduce anxiety and stress, and increase our overall sense of wellness and contentment,” says Vollmann.

Ikuko Acosta, clinical associate professor in the Department of Art and Art Professions at New York University agrees, stating that viewing art helps us get better in touch with (our) emotions. 

The ability to be self-expressed can translate to a greater sense of being understood and accepted by others. This type of exchange deepens social bonds and improves the quality of relationships, strengthening a community from the inside out. 

CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

Many murals express the culture of a community. They tell stories that represent community member values, and they can play a role in preserving history and traditions. 

When there are opportunities to participate in a mural installation collaboratively, there can be direct benefits to the community. Participating in a common goal and working together creates a sense of ownership and connection to the piece, and the collaborative act can combat feelings of anxiety and social isolation. A 2018 London-based survey found that 84% of respondents believed participating in public art projects benefited their well-being.

INSPIRE CREATIVITY + WONDER

The wide stylistic range of murals can really open up new creative pathways, and encourage people to think about the world differently. Stumbling upon a dynamic piece of street art can also inspire people to unleash their own creative potential. A mural could  ignite a spark that motivates a viewer to make their own creations, or to express themselves in new ways. 

And as previously mentioned, murals are especially beneficial to children. Visual learning promotes the building of important skills such as language learning, decision-making, and cultural awareness in younger generations.

STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH

Beautification efforts by one business can encourage other businesses to move to the area. This type of development can benefit a community by creating job opportunities, and making more resources readily available. 

GRAFFITI PREVENTION

As a neighborhood becomes more beautiful, community members often report a greater sense of pride and connection to the place that they call home. This can decrease instances of littering and vandalism.

Neglected facades can be a real problem, especially in big city areas. A wall that appears to be forgotten about can be an invitation for vandalism, which can cost your business in multiple ways. Not only can it damage the perception and reputation of your business, but it also means a costly (and obnoxious) repair each time your wall gets tagged. 

 A 2006 study revealed that graffiti artists were less likely to paint over murals as compared to blank wall space. This is partly because a wall with a mural on it is harder to tag (it’s no longer a blank canvas). There’s also an unspoken rule at play - and many graffiti artists will choose not to tag an existing mural out of respect to the original creator. Transforming a previously neglected space into one that is clearly designed to attract humans and increase foot traffic creates natural surveillance that will also deter graffiti.

“I believe that the importance of art cannot be overstated,” Vollmann says. “We are living in difficult times, and struggles with mental health are on the rise. The exhibits of museums and galleries can provide a sanctuary of sorts from the chaos and stress of our daily lived experiences, and, conversely, they can help us to face and make meaning of the struggles that we face.” 

Adding a mural to your building is an investment in your business, but perhaps even more importantly, it is an investment in your community.