How Creativity Can Address Key Challenges in Columbus, Ohio

On Human Rights Day, we honor the universal principles that safeguard dignity, equality, and freedom for all. But these ideals face persistent challenges, even in our local communities. Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant and growing city, yet like many urban areas, it struggles with systemic issues like poverty, inequality, mental health crises, and lack of opportunities. What if the transformative power of creativity could help solve these problems?

At The Fashion Community, we believe creativity is more than self-expression—it’s a tool for problem-solving, empowerment, and social change. By cultivating creativity, we can address some of the pressing issues threatening human rights in Columbus and create a brighter, more inclusive future.

The Problem: Systemic Challenges in Columbus

Columbus is the fastest-growing city in Ohio, with a population of nearly 1 million people. Its diverse community is a strength, but the city also faces disparities that hinder equitable growth:

1. Economic Inequality

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 15.4% of Columbus residents live in poverty, compared to the national average of 11.6% (source). Many families face economic hardship, limiting access to education, healthcare, and upward mobility.

2. Mental Health Crisis

Ohio has one of the highest rates of depression in the United States, with 19.9% of adults reporting a mental illness (source). In Columbus, access to mental health services is uneven, and stigma prevents many from seeking help.

3. Youth Disengagement

Youth unemployment and disconnection from education are growing concerns. The Ohio Department of Education reports that nearly 25% of Ohio high school graduates are not enrolled in college or employed one year after graduation, leaving many young people without direction or opportunities.

4. Social Isolation

The Surgeon General has called loneliness a public health epidemic. In Columbus, where transient populations and urban sprawl can contribute to isolation, this issue particularly affects the elderly and underserved communities.

The Solution: Creativity as a Catalyst for Change

Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about finding innovative ways to tackle complex problems. Research shows that engaging in creative activities enhances problem-solving, builds resilience, and fosters connection:

• Improved Mental Health: Creative activities like sewing, painting, or writing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The American Journal of Public Health notes that artistic engagement improves mental health outcomes across demographics (source).
• Economic Empowerment: Skills like sewing, design, and crafting offer pathways to self-sufficiency. Programs that teach these skills can create new income streams for individuals in underserved communities.
• Youth Engagement: Creativity fosters a sense of purpose. A study from the Brookings Institution found that arts education increases school engagement and academic performance (source).
• Social Connection: Participating in community-based creative initiatives strengthens social bonds, helping to alleviate isolation and build networks of support.

Creativity in Action: A Case for Columbus

At The Fashion Community, we’ve witnessed firsthand how creativity can transform lives. Here’s how cultivating creativity directly addresses some of Columbus’s most pressing challenges:

1. Economic Inclusion Through Skill Building

Our programs teach individuals to upcycle pre-loved clothing, turning discarded items into valuable pieces. This not only reduces waste but also equips participants with practical skills that can lead to employment or entrepreneurship.

2. Mental Health Support Through Self-Expression

Workshops like “Wearable Art” offer participants a safe space to explore their emotions and build confidence.

3. Engaging Youth with Purpose

Through partnerships with Columbus Fashion Academy, we’ve introduced hundreds of kids to design and branding. Programs like “Thrift and Flip Like a Fashion Entrepreneur” show youth that their ideas have value and that they can create something meaningful from scratch.

4. Building Connection Across Generations

Our intergenerational events, like Mend in Public Day, bring together grandparents, parents, and children to share stories and learn from one another. These moments of connection combat social isolation and celebrate the human right to community.

Why It Matters

Creativity has the power to tackle systemic challenges while honoring the core human rights of dignity, equality, and self-expression. By cultivating creativity in Columbus, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re fostering hope, resilience, and opportunity.

Imagine a Columbus where creativity is accessible to all: where a child from a low-income family can use art to find their voice, where an unemployed adult learns a skill that leads to financial stability, and where seniors combat loneliness by sewing side-by-side with new friends.

Call to Action

On this Human Rights Day, we invite you to join us in making creativity a cornerstone of change in Columbus. Whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or contracting our events, your support empowers individuals, organizations and uplifts our community.

Learn more about our mission and how you can get involved at The Fashion Community. Together, we can ensure that creativity becomes a right, not a privilege, for everyone in our city. Creativity is essential for life balance.