A new mental health mural has been unveiled on South Congress. The message is “Tú Importas” (You Matter) and the mission is to help break the stigma surrounding mental health within communities of color in Austin. The mural was designed by Snuk One and with the help of other local artists, was completed just days before BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, which takes place in July.
As the lead designer and lead muralist, I was presented with a challenge to create a visual message surrounding the mental health stigma within the communities of color in the city of Austin.
Lead designer and muralist behind the “Tú Importas” mural on South Congress
It has been an absolute honor working on this “Tú Importas” (You Matter) mural for the community. The entire process from sketch to painting was challenging, informative, and inspiring. As the lead designer and lead muralist, I was presented with a challenge to create a visual message surrounding the mental health stigma within the communities of color in the city of Austin. This message has no borders and goes beyond the Austin city limits.
Progress shot of the “Tu Importas” (You Matter) mural by Snuk One. Photo. taken by Ed Vela Photography
What is BIPOC and what does this mural by Snuk mean?
National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month was created to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the US. BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month is a chance to destigmatize talking about mental health and substance use disorders. The meaning of “Tú Importas” translates to You Matter. This mural created by Snuk One, and with the help of other local artists, is a simple reminder and message to the Mexican, Hispanic, and Latino communities.
Coming from a very tradtional Mexican family, I always associated mental health with “being crazy” so we never really talked about it. There are so many people here today still stuck in this mindset and I want to help change that even if the message is as simple as “Tú Importas.”
Local Artists of all colors unite to help bring this message to life.
This was the first time I experienced, first-hand what it truly meant to have the community come out and support in such a way that has me filled with gratitude. A huge THANK YOU to @mon_dub for bringing me in on this project and allowing me the creative freedom, @lyn.artx in assisting with the mural painting, and @moses_skywalker for thugging it out with me in the brutal TX heat and pushing through painting the entire time.
Shoutout to @zuzubee for dropping off paint and lending her canopy for shade. You rock! Shoutout to @_esquivel for also dropping off paint and coming out and helping us paint even though you were in the middle of moving to your new spot! S/O to @ac3art_atx and his wife for donating their time on the weekend to come to help put some paint up and for bringing extra ladders for the crew! S/O to @dogoodatx for bringing breakfast tacos and drinks! @idalis_patricia for helping out! The guys over at Salvation Army for buying us more water and keeping us hydrated! @vandals.container for supplying all of our mural supplies like Loop spray paint and Montana spray paint cans.
The pillars in the community and behind this project.
This project wouldn’t have happened without Contigo Wellness, KDH Giving Fund, ATX Trauma Therapy Center, and @hoy_tu_importas! Y’all are the real MVPs for providing the resources and platform to do so. I’m 100% behind the mission and look forward to seeing what else we do for our communities!
Check out the interview and coverage by KXAN for the mural unveiling.
Photo credit: Ed Vela Photography