ABOUT THE PROJECT
“The Bronx in Color: Healing Grounds” is the expansion of a multi-dimensional initiative where the community is invited to reimagine a “healing journey” by centering art, play, and joy through engaging in our “Wellness Playground.” This program aims to destigmatize mental health and help folks add to their wellness toolboxes using introducing communities to art therapy practices and other new ways of taking care of themselves. Given that the Bronx has one of the highest rates of psychiatric hospitalizations in New York City and that the majority of its Medicaid-insured residents live in areas with mental health provider shortages, this project has the potential to make a significant impact. The first iteration of the “Healing Grounds” project commemorated suicide awareness/prevention month in September 2024. In a curated space, wellness practitioners offered free services and consultations, artists engaged in ceremonial art-making, and a community was invited to collaborate in play, rest, and creativity. The Bronx in Color: Healing Grounds (2.0) will be a 4-5 Wellness playground workshop series with community partners leading up to an exhibit & culminating event occurring in the Fall of 2025 (coinciding with Suicide/Mental Health awareness).