STYLE AFFECT
RICHMOND, VA
WE-Making is a suite of resources that explores the relationship between place-based arts practices and social cohesion as a means to advance health equity and community wellbeing. This We-Making story is one example of how place-based arts and cultural strategies uniquely contributed to social cohesion and wellbeing in this community. Throughout this story you’ll see terms paired with actions in parentheses (e.g., social capital, collective action, place attachment, civic engagement, self-determination of shared values). This is to denote for the reader how the WE-Making framework was specifically incorporated. Explore the WE-Making framework and resources.
The Style Affect uses the art of personal style and fashion as a mechanism to educate African Americans in the Richmond community about mental health issues, symptoms, management skills and treatment resources .
The desired outcome of the project is for an increased understanding of the mental health needs in the African American community, to eliminate barriers and access to mental health resources, and to increase African American participation in mental health treatment.
The Style Affect conducts style-themed mental health panels and discussion groups to decrease the stigma of mental health (self determination of shared values- providing a setting in which people can discuss issues, form connections, and take action) and encourages participants to utilize creative outlets such as fashion to manage depression and anxiety related symptoms (social capital and social support).
In 2020, Style Affect reached 500 Black community via style themed panel discussions on various topics (i.e., addiction, suicide, and using style to address mental health issues) and video interview with style focused Black individuals who discussed their personal mental health issues and how they used style to heal (collective action- community participation in arts activities).
In 2021, due to Style Affect and Education Connection Academy's collaboration and curating Black Mental Health week, Mayor of Richmond, VA and the city council declared the first week in October as Black Mental Health week (civic capacity for structural and policy change). This initiative was spearheaded by Style Community partnering with the Virginia Counselors Association. During Style Affect x ECA presents Black Mental Health Week various activities and panel discussions that were style themed and focused on educating the community about mental health and the importance of seeking the appropriate people. We had a total of 70 participants throughout the week.
