Murals bringing awareness to human trafficking pop up around Houston
HOUSTON - If you pass through Houston s northside, you may notice four new mini-murals.
Besides being beautiful public art, they re also helping to raise awareness about one of the most challenging crimes in our city human trafficking. Using art as a way to communicate with people is so powerful, said Houston City Councilmember Karla Cisneros, District H.
Cisneros says her office used 311 data to pinpoint areas in her district where they consistently get calls about possible prostitution or sex trafficking. They identified Airline at Crosstimbers, Airline at Cavalcade, Jensen at Crosstimbers, and Moody Park.
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A new public art installation in greater Northside Houston is aimed at raising awareness of and providing resources to victims and witnesses of human trafficking.
Part of UP Art Studio s Mini Murals program, with funding through the city of Houston, the murals highly colorful and visible from the street are painted on traffic control cabinets by local artists. They include the phone number for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, alongside uplifting images of birds, flowers and butterflies.
“Art can improve awareness, inspire change and encourage healing,” read a statement from Debbie McNulty, director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “Through the artwork of Houston-area artists, we aim to provide a resource for individuals most vulnerable to human trafficking within a community very much impacted by this tragic issue.”