Utah: Random Acts of Art

Utah communities are finding new ways to feed the hungry, unite diverse communities, repurpose trash, combat bullying, beautify public spaces and teach job skills to high-risk youth—all while celebrating the arts. Led by graduates of the Utah Division of Arts & Museums‘ Change Leader Institute, Random Acts of Art are 10 unique artistic projects designed to find creative solutions to social problems. Each project aims to achieve a significant social impact through creative collaborations and a minimal financial investment. Here are some sample projects:

A photo of Sheryl Gillilan embracing a post wrapped in colorful graffiti knitting

Graffiti Knitting spruces up the neighborhood, with help from organizer Sheryl Gillilan.

Writers and storytellers will contribute cherished recipes and the stories that make them special to a community potluck meal and performance to benefit homeless shelters and food banks in Salt Lake City.
In South Ogden, artists will be engaged to propose transformative artwork to beautify two landmark million-gallon water tanks.
Graffiti knitters in Salt Lake City will teach women’s shelter clients the therapeutic arts of knitting and crochet, while a community “knit in” will create a temporary knitted public artwork and will tag statues and benches with knitted articles.
In West Valley City, young people will explore solutions to bullying through discussion and improvisation with djembe African drums.

To learn more about Random Acts of Art, contact Anna Boulton.