Albertus Magnus College Blog

Written by: Leigha Rogers and Lisa Furman

Multicultural competency is an important aspect of professional development as an art
therapist and counselor. To this end, the Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling (MAATC)
program at Albertus Magnus College offers students a multiculturalism course focusing on the
social, cultural, and resource needs of underrepresented clients.

Public art is an important tool in cultural awareness. Outdoor murals and public exhibits
can serve as a way for underrepresented populations to heighten representation and expand
awareness of cultural perspectives. The city of New Haven is fortunate to have an emissary of
public art, Kwadwo Adae, a well-respected, artist, muralist, tireless activist, and teacher.
https://kwadwoadae.com/home.html

Adae’s mural work in New Haven is a much-needed contribution to the community’s
creative health and visual identity, while actively inviting discourse and developing to the visual
identity of the city. His murals often highlight underrepresented groups including as people of
color, the LGBTQ+ community, such as Audre Lorde, Madame CJ Walker, and Booker T
Washington. Adae believes art can activate community ideas and spark significant change and
understanding.

Learn more about social action public art and Adae’s New Haven community public work:

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GNoUYZhrT0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNjavSZ8-lA

Recently, Adae was invited as a guest speaker in the MAATC program’s AT508
Multicultural Art Therapy class to discuss the value of public art and how it might be used for
social action art therapy. Historically, art therapists have been involved in social advocacy, often
partnering with community-based artists to give voice to underrepresented populations and
social issues. Public art can change the city’s visual landscape and provide a safe environment
for the community to come together.

Following his visit to the College, MAATC students were invited to the unveiling of Adae’s recent
mural for mental health awareness, Las Flores De Esperanza, at the corner of Grand Ave &
Blatchley Avenue. As people gathered together to view the mural, a palpable sense of
community was felt. This experiential learning experience highlighted the importance of such
murals and social advocacy work for art therapists within their community.

The healing potential of art is within each of us, and public art can collectively heal and bring
together a community of people. To learn more about art therapy, social action, and public art
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvA4Zwz-v4Y. To learn more about the art therapy
program at Albertus Magnus College or sign up for a free virtual info session
https://www.albertus.edu/art-therapy/ms/.