i-Matter was founded in 2020 by Kimberly Chang and Jaedyn Tsang.

 

The inspiration was sparked after the disruption of social interaction and the sense of fear, anxiety, grief and lack of control they both experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic restrictions meant for them months of virtual school, less time with friends and canceling activities like sports, band concerts and events. The ongoing situation and disportionate levels of threat echoed a cry for their attention. While the pandemic was eroding their mental well being, they experienced first hand, the realization of how mental health is so important in that it affects how one thinks, feels and act yet so relevant at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. With pandemic-era changes significantly impacting mental health for most teenagers, they developed a phone app in hopes to help teen mental health. Since then, they have created various socially engaged experiences such as  a series of art exhibitions, innovative community engagement and education opportunities.  i-Matter's hopes to enhance creativity’s role in mental health, resiliency, and compassion, by breaking away from societal stigmas and offers an opportunity to encounter and understand mental health through different lens .