Public Art For Social Impact, Community Wellbeing and Positive Change
Art can strengthen communities, support mental health, and turn public spaces into places of healing and connection.
My work combines emotionally charged visuals and storytelling to uplift individuals in vulnerable positions, spark meaningful conversations, and foster environments where everyone feels seen. I collaborate with municipalities, NGOs, schools, care homes, cultural institutions, and global organisations to deliver impact-driven projects grounded in empathy, resilience, and long-term community value.
My artistic practice has been recognized by the European Union National Institutes for Culture, the World Illustration Awards, and the Arts Promotion Centre Finland, and it has been implemented everywhere from the smallest village in Mongolia to urban communities in Jamaica and beyond.
Why does social impact art matter?
Communities today face challenges of intergenerational trauma, inequality, and environments that don’t always embody emotional well-being.
Public art can shift that narrative by creating spaces that:
Support mental health and emotional resilience (especially nature-themed works that utilise the aesthetics of joy)
Foster safety, belonging, and intergenerational connection
Empower youth and underrepresented groups
Raise awareness about domestic violence, trauma, and healing
Strengthen cultural identity and community pride
Improve everyday environments in institutions and public spaces
My approach blends artistic vision and storytelling with participatory methods and trauma awareness, creating work that resonates deeply with the people it’s made for.
Ready to explore options?
Reach out →
FEATURED PROJECTS
Fern Paradise, Finland
Nature-led public art bringing dignity and everyday well-being to elderly residents in a low-income neighborhood.
✓ Improved emotional atmosphere in care spaces
✓ Increased sense of recognition and enjoyment
✓ Art access for residents excluded from cultural services
Who: Elderly residents, families, care staff
Where: Havukoski, Vantaa (priority support area)
How: Participatory design, indoor & outdoor murals
When: 2024– (Ongoing initiative seeking funding for expansion)
Partners: Marjatta Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland
Petals in the Sand, Mongolia
A site-specific mural strengthening cultural resilience and climate awareness in a remote desert village.
✓ Over 1 million people reached through media
✓ Strengthened local pride and youth engagement
✓ Climate awareness framed through lived experience
Who: Rural community, youth, local community, cultural actors
Where: Tsagaandelger Soum, the smallest village in Mongolia
How: International collaboration applying user-centred design thinking methods
When: 2025
Partners: EU, Embassy of Finland, Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Association
Healing Thoughts Through Art, Jamaica
A youth-focused mural initiative reclaiming public space through unity and hope in an underprivileged community scarred by violent history and reputation.
✓ Positive identity-building, especially for young people
✓ Increased sense of unity and belonging
✓ Public space reclaimed as a source of care and hope
Who: Youth, families, local community
Where: Historically stigmatised and violent urban area
How: Street art collaboration, public space activation
When: 2024– (Ongoing collaboration aided by the Honorary Consulate General of Finland)
Partners: Tivoli Mural Projects, Meeting of Styles, Children for Change Foundation, Embassy of Finland
Read Jamaica Observer interview →
Watch Brand Jamaica interview →
Turn values into visible change—This is how I help communities thrive through art & storytelling
Municipalities
Public art for safer, more connected communities
Murals for schools, libraries, care homes, youth centres, cultural spaces
Participatory art with residents, youth, or specific groups
Projects supporting wellbeing strategies & cultural development
NGOs & Foundations
Visual storytelling for awareness campaigns
Trauma aware art for vulnerable groups
Community murals & workshops
Impact-focused creative concepts for grants & programs
Schools & Youth Organisations
Strengths-based creative workshops
Positive psychology methods for growth and development
Co-created murals supporting school culture and learning
Art programs for identity-building and emotional education
Change can start with a simple message. Let’s talk.
Reach out →
FLAGSHIP SOCIAL IMPACT CONCEPTS
Art of Strength
Public art that becomes a positive affirmation and statement piece, celebrating local identity. A creative method based on positive psychology designed to help young people recognise and embody their inner power. Seal of approval by Dr. Kaisa Vuorinen. In collaboration with Superflinda.
The Power of Nature
Site-specific mural concept for elderly residents inspired by Nordic nature and contemporary botanical forms. Artwork that supports emotional wellbeing and memory. Gentle moments of connection through newfound transformed shared spaces of comfort and enjoyment. In collaboration with Maria Björklund and Terhi Ekebom.
Bending Reality
Amid bite-sized psychology and affirmations along a healing journey, fueled by angel numbers and other New Age content. Artwork addressing the randomness of life, dualism, letting go, and spiritual growth and flourishing. Exhibition in Vapaakaupunki gallery in Helsinki, Finland, in March 2026. (Coming up)
Song of a Shadowbird
Creative concept addressing domestic violence, intergenerational trauma, healing, and the courage to break inherited patterns. Raw openness, brutal honesty and advocacy with expressive, symbol-rich visual storytelling. No one survives abuse alone. The cycle can be broken. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. (Coming up)
Interested? I’m happy to elaborate.
Message me →
READY TO CREATE POSITIVE CHANGE?
If your organisation wants to improve wellbeing, strengthen communities, or communicate its mission through art—I’m your gal. Let’s collaborate.
Get in Touch →
© Elina Holley 2025