"We Know Better” 2024 Mural Paint Day & Art Share – Murals for Change

Access to clear and culturally relevant healthcare information is critical to keeping communities healthy, yet many barriers prevent people—particularly those in underserved communities—from fully engaging with important health topics. In response to community feedback about how cancer information is shared and understood, Dr. Erica Phillips, co-principal investigator for the Center for Social Capital (SoCa) and Multigenerational Health at Weill Cornell Medicine, partnered with Groundswell NYC to launch the Murals for Change initiative.

The project explored youth perspectives on targeted tobacco advertising and its connection to cancer risk. Through research, dialogue, and creative workshops, students developed the mural’s concept and design, using art as a platform to share knowledge and spark awareness.

The process culminated in a vibrant community paint day and art share event, where students were joined by community members, friends, and family to help bring the mural to life. Participants worked side by side painting sections of the mural while learning about the research behind the project and engaging in conversations about cancer prevention and health equity. The art share portion of the event gave youth artists the opportunity to present their ideas, explain the symbolism in the mural, and reflect on what they learned through the collaboration.