Millimagic has recently completed the “Graffiti in Health” project, which explores the relationship between graffiti culture, mental health, and access to support services in Wales.
Graffiti, the visual artform of Hip Hop, is rooted in community but is often misunderstood or stigmatised. Research conducted in 2023 identified strong links between street-based painting (graffiti and graffiti art) and mental health challenges, addiction, and neurodivergence. Notably, 19% of respondents reported an autism diagnosis, compared with approximately 1% in the general population. The research also found that engaging in graffiti can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.
The “Graffiti in Health” project examined how existing peer-support networks within graffiti communities could be strengthened in collaboration with health and community organisations. The research explored motivations for engaging in graffiti and highlighted barriers to accessing mainstream support services faced by this often under-served group.
Further information is available here: Graffiti in Health 2024–25 – Millimagic
