Notes on the Arts During Times of Crisis

Stage and museum lights went dark almost two years ago when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, preventing audiences from gathering and enjoying a visual arts experience of any kind. Innovative workarounds have included Zoom performances and virtual exhibition tours. Therefore, despite a seemingly impossible obstacle, the arts have been evolving and thriving. The important matter is using journalism to spread this message.

The significance of creating, viewing and enjoying art is continuously relevant, now even more so during the pandemic. Art programs and activities, whether it be applied art, music or stage work, have been notorious for boosting mental health and cultivating communities.

Mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic has been generally low, with contributing factors including financial worries, long-term isolation, and fear of the unknown. However, the ability to create and consume art has not completely disappeared, and the hope is that the arts will become anything from a comfort to a hobby during a time of crisis.

An article published by Psychology for Clinical Studies outlines how, scientifically, participation with and consumption of the arts benefit individuals and their mental wellbeing. The studies say that “a qualitative study of 102 art and mental health projects concluded that art participation enhanced levels of empowerment and was associated to improvements in participants’ mental health.” Music, art and performance all provide a distraction and an escape, while also providing a form of control.

"Music, art and performance all provide a distraction and an escape, while also providing a form of control."

During the height of the pandemic, stage plays and film readings took place on public Zoom meetings for all audiences. Films such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Princess Bridge and Ferris Bueller's Day Off were performed over remotely. Additionally, Zoom readings of plays such as The Best Man and This Is Our Youth, as well as the virtual availability of popular musical Hamilton, has somewhat increased accessibility to performances that would otherwise cost hundreds of dollars.

So, how can journalism help in the promotion of the arts? First, the newfound remote aspect of the arts weave into how reporting works in the digital age. The journalism industry is not the only one undergoing massive changes, having to evolve quickly and efficiently.

Journalists can also bring attention to the fears and concerns regarding the longevity and sustainability of the arts. While Zoom does partially expand accessibility to consuming the arts, that is not necessarily the case for everyone due to barriers regarding access to technology. Therefore, while virtual exhibitions and performances on streaming do allow larger audiences to consume the arts, in-person works are still that much more important when it comes to interactivity and financially supporting artistic organizations.