Looking up in the Adelaide CBD could be good for your health thanks to a new program by young South Australian Reece Formosa with the support of Adelaide City Council.
If Reece, 27, has his way, multi-storey carparks around Australia will showcase positive messages to promote mental health and wellbeing – with Adelaide City Council the first council in Australia to jump on board.
From October 13 murals featuring inspirational quotes will be displayed inside and outside of UPark on Flinders/Pirie St and UPark on Rundle St.
Adelaide City Council has commissioned the two 8-metre by 4-metre artworks by local artist Matthew Stuckey and donated the public spaces for their display.
National Mental Health Week 2016 runs from this Sunday 9 October until Saturday 15 October. World Mental Health Day is this Monday 10 October.
From left – Reece Formosa & Matt Stuckey Photo: Jonathan VanDer Knaap
Reece, a young entrepreneur and founder of home delivery company #DLVRD, said the inspiration for the Positive Signs project came to him while driving through the city.
“I looked up and saw lots of unused space on multi-storey carpark buildings,” Reece said. “It got me thinking: what if that space could be used to spread positive messages around mental health and wellbeing?
“Having experienced my own dark days and a number of family tragedies, I wanted to share positive messages to help raise awareness of mental health issues.
“Positive Signs is designed to encourage people to talk about how they’re feeling and will create a permanent reminder of the importance of emotional wellbeing.
“Adelaide City Council has made this project possible and have been fantastic with its support.”
Adelaide City Council Lord Mayor Martin Haese said the Council was pleased to support Positive Signs.
“One in four adults experiences mental health difficulties at some stage in their lives, making it an important issue for our city,” Mr Haese said.
“Positive Signs supports Adelaide City Council’s vision for a creative and liveable city.
“We are proud to collaborate with Reece to spread positive messages, encourage emotional wellbeing and support good mental health.”
An event to launch the Positive Signs project will be held on Thursday 13 October from 6pm to 7pm. Members of the public are invited to join Reece Formosa (CEO and Founder #DLVRD), Matthew Stuckey (Designer / Public Artist, Be Friendly) and Ryan Rebbeck (House Rules 2015, beyondblue ambassador) in a discussion about the beginnings, process and goals of the project.
The event is free to attend and will be held at the Minor Works Building, 22 Stamford Court Adelaide.
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