Blue Cross and Blue Shield has partnered with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Mia) to launch a multi-generational project that addresses racism and health through the power of art. This collaborative program uses art to visualize the concept of racism as a health crisis. High school students from North High School, Como High School and Minnesota Transitions Charter School, were mentored by local Twin Cities Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) artists to create their own artwork focused on how racism impacts their lives and the health of their families and communities.

Artwork created by students and their mentors –Kprecia Ambers, Nancy Ariza, Juan Lucero and Akiko Ostlund — are displayed at the Mia in an exhibition titled “Racism as a Public Health Crisis”, open to the public until February 6, 2022.

Racism and community health through the eyes of students

Over the fall semester, high school students participated in artist-led virtual workshops focusing on idea generation, materials and technique, individual artmaking and group collaboration. Together, the group created individual art pieces and co-created print posters featured in the art exhibition themed on racism and community health.

“Mia is excited to partner with Blue Cross and collaborate with local artists and teens to share their perspectives on racism as a public health crisis,” says Mia representative Sheila McGuire, head of student and teacher learning. “Art is a powerful means of communication, and this project couldn’t be more timely. Through this partnership and exhibition, we will learn alongside the artists and students and engage in important conversations about the impacts of systemic racism inside and outside of Mia.”

Racism as a public health crisis

Blue Cross has made it a priority to address racial and health inequities that in Minnesota are some of the greatest in the nation.  In 2020, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota publicly declared racism a public health crisis and pledged to address the impacts of systemic racism on the health of BIPOC communities across the state.

“We’re truly excited and deeply grateful for this collaboration with Mia that will give local school students a powerful voice through the medium of art. Art has the power to look at life through a new lens, start discussion and stimulate engagement translating experiences across space and time,” says Bukata Hayes, vice president of racial and health equity at Blue Cross. “We will not succeed in eliminating systemic racism without elevating the voices and stories from our community members who have historically been silenced. Through this project we hope to bring people together and inspire reflection – a starting point we must all embrace to identify our biases and dismantle structural racism.”

Student art pieces showcase topics that impact their own lives and communities when it comes to racism and health. From police brutality and maternal health inequities to the ongoing effects of slavery and colonization, the artwork is deeply personal and speaks to the reality of systemic racism in American society. Amaya Sandres, a freshman at Como Park Senior High School says, "It’s nice to know that our generation cares and that some people know they have a voice and that they can share their story in different ways."