St. Louis Story Stitchers
Dedicated to preventing gun violence, the St. Louis Story Stitchers bring together talented BIPOC youth to create social change. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the collective shifted its focus to tackle a critical issue: disseminating accurate vaccination information among marginalized communities.
Engaging conversations
People of color have had their trust violated for centuries, so many were concerned about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Because the Story Stitchers are visual artists, public performances and meetings are crucial to their success. In the wake of COVID, their audience attendance dropped. Plus, they were concerned about youth in the group and their communities not getting vaccinated.
Considering these future leaders and the power they hold to influence their peers, it was essential to engage BIPOC youth in the conversation. The Perception Isn’t Always Reality project encouraged young artists to reevaluate their thoughts on COVID and vaccinations and assess the information sources they had received.
“We Gotchu”
Working closely with the Stitchers, we delved into the history of vaccination inequalities and brainstormed with the artists to craft a message that would resonate with their audience through social videos. Together, we devised the powerful slogan “We Gotchu” to emphasize the importance of mutual respect and care between generations.
With the Story Stitchers’ signature brand of urban storytelling in mind, Spot helped the artists craft the overall vision and story. On shoot day, our crew was ready to capture the essence of the campaign on our beautiful CYC wall. We brought their story to life on screen, stage and billboard through their dances, poems and songs.
Breaking barriers, building trust
With our help, the Story Stitchers could make their message heard loud and clear. Posters, billboards and 10 short social videos we created for the campaign helped the organization build community trust and confidence. The project was so successful that the CDC and CDC Foundation highlighted it in an exhibition on view until March 2023 at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.
Art as a catalyst for change
By engaging BIPOC teen and young adult artists, the collective creates awareness, provides a platform for expression, and fosters trust and understanding among marginalized communities. The project is a shining example of how art can be used to educate and empower underrepresented communities to take control of their health. We’re proud to have helped St. Louis Story Stitchers create such a powerful message.
