Community Art for Community Health

Health care access

South LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Saban Community Clinic is opening a new health center in the Crenshaw corridor. The area around the clinic is badly medically underserved and the new health center would provide a health access point for thousands of patients who need access to medical, dental and behavioral health services. Thousands of residents in this area of South LA lack access to healthcare providers to address their physical and mental health needs. Beyond lacking doctors, dentists and mental health providers, however, there is also dramatically limited availability of public art. Buildings in the area are made of concrete cinder blocks that can provide available space for local artists to paint murals, reflecting the local history and community.

Saban Community Clinic (SCC) is building a new healthcare access point first to address the lack of access to care in this part of South LA. The new health center will include medical exam rooms, dental operatories and mental health offices. Residents will have access to health screenings, medications to treat chronic illnesses, and case management care.
SCC wants to address the issue of healthcare not just through access, but also by creating access to beautiful, publicly available art. Publicly accessible art is vital because it democratizes culture, allowing people from all backgrounds to engage with creativity and expression without barriers of cost or exclusivity. It enriches public spaces, fosters community identity, sparks dialogue, and promotes inclusivity. By making art part of everyday life, it encourages reflection, connection, and a shared sense of humanity.
Even more powerfully, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine says "even just seeing art can impact the brain" in positive ways. It can increase serotonin levels, increase blood flow to the part of the brain associated with pleasure, and even foster new ways of thinking.
The new SCC Crenshaw Health Center will not only give thousands of people the healthcare they need, it will do so by providing access to public art that makes people feel seen and valued as part of their care.

A new public art mural in South LA will serve as a powerful catalyst for community pride, cultural expression, and neighborhood revitalization. By reflecting the rich history, diverse identities, and collective aspirations of the area, the mural can foster a sense of belonging and visibility among residents. It can also beautify this public space, deter vandalism through positive engagement, and attract visitors, supporting local businesses and encouraging economic development. Furthermore, involving local artist(s) and youth in the creation process can promote creative skill-building, community collaboration, and intergenerational dialogue, making the mural not just an artwork, but a unifying and empowering force for this new health center serving South LA. Our hope is that this will provide a platform and example for others in the community to transform the surrounding area by including more public art.