The importance of art in engaging the community is worth emphasizing. Artistic activity is generally considered secondary to a main activity. Artists are first and foremost economists, journalists, teachers, shopkeepers or farmers. In consequence, because of their amateur status they are often not taken seriously. Thus, their talent gets devalued.
Internet to the rescue
In the last few months we have had to glue our eyes to our screens more than ever. Our work meetings have been happening online and since we cannot visit our families. Skype has become our virtual living room. Governments share live updates on the progress they make in governance. Providing essential services to citizens is now easier.
In a time when physical closeness is something to abhor and even criminal, the internet has come out strong in support of the fragile system of economics that shapes the global community. What has come out even more strongly is our increased consumption of media content.
Increased media consumption
Netflix viewership in the month of March 2020 went off the roof. At a time when we cannot go the parks, watch movies at the theater, or engage in other forms of artistic consumption those statistics are barely shocking. We have long known the importance of arts & culture in building communities, supporting development and contributing to economic opportunity.
2020 has been stressful to say the least. People around the world are feeling the effects of the pandemic without bias. Society is reeling. If there was a ever a time for arts to rise up to the occasion and nurture our health and well-being, now is that time.
Art is important in helping people understand the past and envision a shared, more equitable future. Our local communities are rich in artistic and cultural assets. We, we can use the arts to develop and shape our infrastructure, governance and transportation thus improving access to healthy food, and other core amenities.
Importance of art as a tool of resistance
The imagination is a tool of resistance. The arts are the most convenient tools we can use to engage the community and inform people’s decisions.
The intersection of arts & culture, technology and innovation has the potential to redefine our lifestyles and reinvigorate the human spirit that has long been crushed by the tyranny and evil of those entrusted to lead.
Stories have the power to control the future.
