School of Engineering Public Art Installation

We are seeking support to fund our Enterprise Project for the SELF Engineering and Leadership Fellowship. We will be commissioning a public art installation in the University of Kansas’ School of Engineering.

In a survey sent out to KU engineering students, students reported high levels of stress and anxiety, 87% of students reported that their productivity, well-being, and mood is impacted by their physical environment, and 89% reported that an art installation would be an improvement to the School of Engineering. Research reviews have shown promising evidence for effects of viewing artwork on reducing stress. With many students spending the majority of their day on KU’s campus, it is necessary for our campus’ buildings to be energizing and friendly.

Our primary goals are to:

• Create a more welcoming and appealing environment
• Introduce color and vibrancy to improve the mental wellness of engineering students
• Highlight the importance of art in public spaces
• Foster collaboration and understanding between artists and engineers. 

Using donor support to pay for artist fees and materials, we will be commissioning a local artist to paint a mural in the coffeehouse in the Learned Engineering Expansion Project 2 (LEEP2) building. This mural will be colorful and lively, and celebrate engineering and technology, as well Kansas and the local Lawrence community.