Art
Nothing is more symbolic than art. Murals, sculptures, photography contests, drawings, and iconic symbols of hope, with a sign referencing Hopeful Cities at the bottom, serve a dual purpose. They provide beauty in the environment while sharing resources for the “how-to” of hope in the community.
We aim to not just inspire with our work, but also to teach. To empower both youth and adults around the world with the skills they need to find, create, maintain, and grow hope. By creating your own artwork for hope, you are giving us the incredible gift of creatively sharing the message of hope in your community.
We want people to not just see symbols of hope, but to be reminded of what they learned about the “how-to” of hope. We just ask that you use the color yellow, and if so inspired, the sunflower, and add a creative message to a plaque or sign that provides a message about hope, such as:
“Did you know? Hope is teachable. Learn the “how-to” of hope at www.hopefulcities.org”
It’s important to spread hope, as hope isn’t just about the self; it is about supporting others on their hope journeys and sharing strategies for the “how-to” of hope. When you share your murals, make sure you tag @ifredorg @theshinehopecompany.
Take Action with the following interventions:
International Day of Hope
The International Day of Hope, scheduled May 1st, provides an opportunity for global solidarity. On this day, we come together to share the science, stories, and strategies of hope and actively engage in implementing hope in our lives and communities worldwide. Our goal is to advocate for the establishment of The International Day of Hope through an official United Nations resolution. This initiative will kick off a five-day campaign featuring the Five Day Global Hope Challenge, yard signs, sunflower gardens, workplace educational posters, sunflower Shine murals, live speaking events, classroom teachings of Hopeful Minds, and more.
We encourage Mayors, Governors, and schools to issue proclamations for their towns and environments, demonstrating solidarity in officially recognizing the day and joining the Hopeful Cities Movement.
Sunflower Mural Templates
The sunflower mural provides an opportunity for community participation in creating large-scale artwork that symbolizes unity and hope.
A mural is a piece of artwork that is implemented on a wall. The best placement for a mural that promotes hope is somewhere public, where it will inspire as many people as possible. It is important to use the mural to teach hope, not just create art.
We worked with Hayley Meadows of Reno, Nevada to create four murals that you can use in your community. Feel free to use ours or come up with your own. We include an informational plaque with all of our murals so that people are able to visit our website and receive the resources. We never know who we might touch through the power of art, and hope.
Encourage community memes to take pictures with the art installations and share specific skills on how they Shine Hope and share on social media. @ifredorg and @theshinehopecompany using the following hashtags:
#ShineHope #GrowHope #SpreadHope #HopefulCities
#GrowHope represents our ability to move from hopeless to hope, no matter what life brings. Like the sunflower rising from the building, we can rise from adversity with hope.
#SpreadHope is a bouquet of sunflowers that people can pretend to hold. When people share photos holding the sunflowers, we encourage them to also share how they #SpreadHope.
#HopefulCities is about the power of community. The field of flowers shows us how to stand all together for hope and work together to activate hope in our community.
#ShineHope is a mural with a massive sunflower that people can stand in front of and share how they Shine Hope. Share your favorite Shine skills (Stress Skills, Happiness Habits, Inspired Actions, Nourishing Networks, and Eliminating Challenges) and how they help you #ShineHope.
Sunflower Fascinating Facts Digital Poster
Our digital communications provide an opportunity to educate all on the Shine Hope framework in an easy-to-understand way. We have an infographic and digital downloadable tool for newsletters or social media posts to describe the Shine Hope framework at no cost.
We have two brochures that are great for sharing in newsletters or other city-wide communications. Our Digital Shine Hope Brochure is geared toward adults, while our Teen Shine Hope brochure is similar, yet more teen-friendly. Both brochures include tips on the Shine Hope framework, and have resources to help elevate hope in your life and with others.
We also have Shine Hope Posters you can use as individual images, or on web portals, that give more details into the Shine Hope Framework. Lastly, we have a Sunflower Fascinating Facts poster for some interesting tidbits on sunflowers, if you have an interest!
Sunflower Gardens for Hope
We encourage you to plant sunflower garden in your yard, at your school, or start a community garden of sunflowers as a way to activate hope. Planting sunflower gardens is good for your health. Sunflower seeds are beneficial for brain health. Bright sunflowers spread happiness. Check out our Hope Marketing Tools page to download a free sign to let people know why you’ve planted your garden, and where to go for support as the website is right on the sign. A sample garden sign is also included in the Appendix and available for download. You can bring to your printer, and have them add your logo if so inspired to customize for your community.
Sunflower Fields for Hope
We planted our first sunflower field for hope in Ghana over 15 years ago as a way to start the conversation about depression and hope. Sunflower fields are iconic, gorgeous, and make an even bigger statement about hope. They help spread the message that hope is teachable.
If you add a billboard or large sign to the field with a link to the website, it is another great way to send people to Hopeful Cities, and help them activate hope and get valuable hope resources. You can dedicate your current sunflower field to hope, or reach out to local farmers and ask to have a sunflower field dedicated to the cause.
Public Art Hope Health Campaigns
Infuse sunflowers into the art around the city to spread awareness about hope and activate your community. Sculptures are beautiful and creative ways to generate artwork that will last all year long. Create a sunflower sculpture or an iconic art installation using any material you want, share the “Shine” acronym, and include a placard about the importance of hope to help people start activating hope and finding resources.
Invite community participation in creating large-scale artwork that symbolizes unity and hope; find examples in our Appendix. We have created all kinds of posters, templates, and signs to drive awareness about the advantage of hope, as you want to be sure to educate while you inspire. The opportunities are as endless as your imaginations.
Share what you create for hope on social media using @theshinehopecompany and @ifredorg #HopefulCities #SpreadHope #GrowHope #ShineHope
$ Iconic Large Hope Letters
We have a fantastic artist in Reno, NV that is available to make Hope letters for your community. Iconic, innovative, yellow, lit, metal HOPE letters to stand as a focal point for activating your city.
Pricing starts at 100k. Email us at activate@theshinehopecompany.com to find out about how to order this iconic installation for your city.
$ Interactive Art Educational Experiences
Consider doing an exhibit at an art institute or children’s museum. We are happy to work with you to come up with innovative ways to start teaching all about hope through art. In the past we have done photography contests and art programs, encouraging budding photographers to encapsulate the power of hope.
Email us at activate@theshinehopecompany.com to find out about how to order this iconic installation for your city.
