For immediate release: June 1, 2021

LAWRENCE - Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and see Lawrence’s newest public art! A mural created by Lawrence-based art and social justice organization Elevated Thought will draw a walk-up vaccination clinic on Thursday, June 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The mobile vaccine clinic, run by the City of Lawrence, will set up by the in-progress artwork near the Buckley Transportation Center on Thursday, as Elevated Thought Production Director Alex J. Brien puts the finishing touches on “Manga Arriba”/”Sleeves Up,” a mural encouraging people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“We hope the mural and the poster campaign will help portray the vaccinee in a positive and encouraging light,” said Brien. “We’re excited to host the pop-up vaccination clinic at the mural site. We hope the campaign can show people that getting the vaccine is a caring, courageous and hopeful act. And working together to keep our communities healthy as a whole is the goal.”

The mural is one of several art pieces funded by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council as part of its Creative COVID-19 Communications initiative. Elevated Thought is one of nine artists and artist teams creating posters, videos, postcards, public art, comic strips and other accessible artworks that can be used by health agencies, municipalities and community groups to spread the word about COVID-related public health advice.

Lawrence’s COVID-19 positivity rate remains relatively high at 3.7%, and vaccination rates remain relatively low: only 45% of the city’s residents have received at least one dose. In the majority-Latinx municipality, only 18% of Latinx residents have received the vaccine, according to statistics released by the state. They’re the population that the mural aims to convince to roll up their sleeves.

“Readily-available vaccine communication resources are not always resonating with communities of color and many materials aren’t designed to reach communities speaking languages other than English,” said MAPC Arts and Culture Director Jennifer Sien Erickson. “We are excited to partner with Elevated Thought to promote equity in community access to vaccines.”

Where: 316 Common Street Parking Lot (Across the street from the Buckley Transportation Center. Park at the garage or on nearby streets. Accessible from multiple MWRTA bus routes and .9 miles from the Commuter Rail)

When: Thursday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Brien will be on-site finishing the mural and the clinic will be providing free, no-appointment vaccines

Learn more about the Creative COVID-19 Communications Initiative at www.mapc.org/covid19-art.

Learn more about Elevated Thought at www.elevatedthought.org.