With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading around the world, the entertainment industry is spiraling down. In compliance with social distancing and avoiding mass gatherings, many concerts have been canceled and museums and galleries are closed. But this did not stop artists from showcasing their purpose and sharing their talents online. Just like a hospital wall cladding, artists are safeguarding everyone’s lives right now. They are currently optimizing every digital platform available to keep the show going. Here are some key points on how art continues to demonstrate its power amidst the COVID-19 situation.
Art keeps people together
With lockdown or quarantine protocols in place, there is no other choice but to shift to the digital world. Humans need interaction and connection and social media is the most efficient tool to meet those needs. Artists contribute to maintaining emotional stability as they are doing their part to keep everyone calm and balanced. In the first celebration of World Art Day last April 15, the Director-General of UNESCO reminded that “art has the power to unite and connect in times of crisis.” Many are using art to support the frontliners. Musicians and late-night hosts are teaming up for an online fundraising concert. These mediums of entertainment are free and accessible to help anyone cope.
Art heals
People also turn to art for comfort. It’s a good kind of distraction that everyone needs right now. Indian-American musician Saraswathi Ranganathan is a great believer in the power of art and claimed that art “inspires transforms, protects, and guides.” Spending too much time on social media and reading updates about the pandemic can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Everyone is lucky to have the arts as they are a source of relaxation and, at the same time, entertainment. Art helps anyone see the brighter side of things and hold onto hope. Recently, American actor John Krasinski created a web series on YouTube called Some Good News that is dedicated only to good news. He also never forgets to value and show appreciation to the frontliners in every episode.
Art promotes productivity
Art keeps anyone preoccupied. If one seeks to learn a new skill or enhance an existing one, art is there to the rescue. Free online classes are being offered right now on different fields of art, such as music, painting, and dancing. There are hundreds of tutorial videos that one can find and follow on YouTube. In this time of self-isolation, one might as well try to discover a hidden talent or develop a new one. With art, there will always be something interesting to invest in. It may even help one get to know himself or herself better.
This is the time for everyone to be extra grateful to the artists who continue to put a smile on anyone’s faces for spreading love through his or her talent. They are exerting all possible efforts to offer hope. Wherever one goes or whatever one is feeling, art will always be there. Its existence is eternal. In these trying times, everyone should owe it to the field of arts for making the situation somewhat bearable and easier to get by.
