Groundswell Launches COVID-19 Response In Partnership With Arab American Association of New York

The world came to a standstill last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear and anxiety were at an all-time high as it swept the globe. With so much uncertainty surrounding the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised millions of people to quarantine in their homes in an attempt to slow down the spread

A little over a year later, the world is still attempting to combat the virus and return to some sense of normalcy. Thanks to the support of Council Member Justin Brannan, Groundswell was able to mount a COVID-19 response in partnership with Brooklyn Arab Youth, a youth group at the Arab American Association of New York. The goal of the collaboration was to develop unique poster art focused on COVID-19 related community health and safety measures.

Groundswell met with Brooklyn Arab Youth virtually to hold a community design conversation where young people spoke about community care, self-care, mental health, and their own experiences during this pandemic. They also shared their own drawing and designs, which inspired some of the posters. Groundswell Artist, Christopher Cardinale utilized the thoughts, ideas, and creations shared during our discussion as the guiding inspiration for the poster designs. 

These creative posters can be used in and around public spaces, businesses, and community organizations.