The Central Role Of Art During The Pandemic
- Lucija
- Apr 2, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 5, 2021
People are dying, critical resources are limited, the very essence of our freedom is diminishing – and yet we are forced to move inward, to the inner space of our thoughts and imagination, a place we have possibly forgotten about. Of all the necessities that we now miss so much, the arts and their contribution to our wellbeing is evident and central to dealing with coronavirus. For some, there are more pressing needs. But those little joys, even in a tough environment, often come through the arts and collective expression.
In times of crisis, we need humanity, expression, and the community that the arts create.
The World Has Changed Before, And It Is Changing Again
We are still going through a global pandemic. We are dealing with racial injustice which is now more apparent with the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and more, with different protests happening across the globe. COVID-19 has shed light on all the problems of the current system we were using and the way we were living. It is evident that racial inequality is putting people of color at a higher risk during the pandemic. We are realizing how low the essential workers are paid and treated, even though they are the backbone of the society during these trying times. We are seeing a disease becoming politicized and the vaccines being available to those who can afford it, although it should be a basic human right. What we are also seeing is a growing mental health crisis as a response to COVID-19. Everyone is talking about going back to normal, but what is "normal"?
Art and Covid
In this time of crisis, isolation and confusion, the role of art becomes more central to our lives, whether we realise it or not. Whether big or small, kids making chalk art on the street or people creating big community murals, art makes a difference in how we live our lives. The arts assist us on a day-to-day basis by helping us process our lives individually and allowing us to come together as a community. As we are spending more time by ourselves during this pandemic, arts and crafts have skyrocketed. Art reminds us that we are not alone and that we share a universal human experience. Through art, we feel deep emotions and we are able to find connections. Silly example, but think of memes. When you see a relatable meme, you feel understood and it helps you realise that you are not the only one who sees the world in a certain way.
May these times of distance and online connection show us, more vigorously than ever, the duty we have to our artists as a society.
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