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California’s “Vaccinate ALL 58” Campaign Uses Art and Music to Engage Communities Most Impacted by COVID-19
SACRAMENTO and FRESNO, Calif. – In its ongoing effort to reach communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the State of California recently partnered with 10 community-based organizations, who in turn have collaborated with artists and community members to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and other actions that help slow the spread of COVID-19.
In Sacramento and Fresno, community partner Hmong Innovating Politics joined with graphic artist Kaylene Moua to create a digital art piece that encourages their community to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. Moua, a Hmong creative based in Fresno, was guided by the personal stories of two of the nonprofit’s Vaccine Ambassadors who have been helping to educate their community on how to stay safe in the pandemic.
The artwork, entitled “Flourishing Out of a Pandemic,” shows the road the community has traveled as they flourish in this new type of normal. This journey is represented by three trees: the first has images of preventative care through testing regularly and wearing masks; the second shows images of growth as the community is vaccinated; and finally, the third is fully grown, representing how the combination of vaccinations, preventative care, and testing regularly lead to fruition.
“When you look at the third tree, with its plentiful leaves, it feels as though the branches are stretching upward to reach toward the health and wellness symbol in the heart,” said Mysee Xiong, community outreach coordinator, Hmong Innovating Politics. “We think this helps communicate how the combination of this growth in ourselves and the community creates harmony. We hope that our audiences can feel comforted in the progress that we’ve made, and that this piece can inspire them to choose vaccinations and prevention as ways to contribute toward a flourishing community.”
Hmong Innovating Politics is revealing the artwork in three parts via social media through the month of April, with stories from the artist and two Vaccine Ambassadors. Once it’s fully revealed on April 21, the nonprofit will host a Facebook live event on Thursday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the artwork and the thought process behind it. The artwork will be visible on their social media platforms, website, in their regional offices, and shared via emails to their networks.
Hmong Innovating Politics’ project is part of a statewide “Vaccinate ALL 58” COVID-19 campaign. The arts initiative is designed to raise awareness of critical actions Californians can continue to take to help slow the spread of COVID-19, with an emphasis on the importance of vaccinations and boosters. It features original works of art with empowering public health messages about protecting one another, being resilient and supporting their community.
“It’s inspiring to see community groups and artists, who have been at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working together to create powerful art. Their work is a reminder to everyone that the actions we take moving forward will create healthier outcomes for our communities. We thank them for sharing their gifts on this art project and for the work they do each day alongside their community,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation.
“Creative expression inspired by COVID-19 prevention measures serves as a good reminder that individual and collective actions are still needed to keep communities safe as the pandemic persists. Even as hospitalizations and infection rates decline, it’s important that Californians remain vigilant and protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted, and wearing a mask when it can protect them and others,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer.
For more information on COVID-19 and the latest public health information, visit covid19.ca.gov.To find a vaccine near you, visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255.
