It's no secret that the year 2020 has proven to be a challenging year for many of us. Most areas and industries have been affected in some way during this year.
Let's Look Back
The year started with a potential threat of World War III, followed by the US presidential impeachment. During February, the world suddenly stopped due to the COVID-19 ongoing pandemic, which led to unprecedented unemployment and the economic recession. Lastly, on May 25th, we witnessed the unfortunate death of George Floyd by the Minneapolis police officers, which sparked protests around the world.
Too many things are happening so quickly and intensely that it is hard to digest so much information. I personally have struggled to keep my mental health in check this year.
As a way to deal with my anxiety productively, I decided to search for ways to use my time and skills to help my community during these difficult times and channel my creativity.
Here are 5 ideas that artists can use to channel their creativity and help their communities.
1. Create Digital Posts for social media that inspire change and action in others.
Challenging times can bring the best or the worst in us, as human beings. Staying hopeful during difficult times is not easy. Still, as artists, we can see the beauty in the ugly, more often than not.
2. Making Face Masks
If you know how to sew, you can be of great help to your community by creating cloth face masks. There are many local groups all over the country, supplying materials and in search of volunteers. Check out my previous post about the importance of face masks that includes instructions and links to existing patterns.
3. Create Political Signs and Props for Protests.
Inspire people and invite others to action by conveying a message of change. Many artists have had an opportunity to create some eye-catching signs and props to express our disapproval of systemic racism and police brutality.
4. Create Memes that will diffuse some tensions in social media.
Sometimes to bring down the stress, we just need a good cathartic laugh. Creating some ironic, yet funny memes can help you and others release some of the stress. I know it is hard to laugh at some of the situations we are living, but I like to think that we are becoming more resilient.
5. Become an inspiration for your community, and restore hope.
You know what they say, after the storm there's calm, and often a rainbow! I was sad when I learned about the looting on State Street after the first Black Lives Matter protest in Madison, WI. Still, when I saw how quickly a lot of the members in our community organized themselves to clean up the mess, it lifted my spirit. Many fellow artists had the idea to beautify the new stores' wooden façades by painting colorful murals and hopeful quotes. It just made me smile and renewed my faith in humanity.
We can all do something to help each other during these difficult times. I know there are more ideas out there.
Are you an artist that has contributed in a positive way to your community?
Do you have any examples or links that you would like to share with our community about different ways artists have made life better for others? Please share your experience and leave a comment.
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