The Importance of Art During the COVID-19 Disruption
On New Year’s Eve I was in Mexico, visiting my family, my kids and I went there to spend the holiday season. I remember working on the storyboard for the 2020 Wisconsin Film Festival trailer. I was excited and enjoying every moment of the creative process. I was thrilled to be part of this project!
“The Lonely Badger”, a Wisconsin Film Festival production, designed by Monica Cliff.
After we returned to the US, I worked on the shadow puppets for the film, I smiled, imagining the audience's happy faces when they saw the trailer and the silly characters. I like to imagine the audience’s reaction when I work on creative projects. I also thought that this was an excellent opportunity for my friends and me to enjoy the Film Festival and have a party after.
Little did I know while I worked on this project back in January that I would not see the film on the big screen.
We wrapped up shooting at the end of January. By mid-February, we were facing an unprecedented health crisis, a worldwide pandemic, most of us did not know what to expect. Most organizations did not have a plan right away. Most of them waited to see if the COVID-19 pandemic was severe enough that a mandatory quarantine was needed. I remember getting an immense amount of emails, from every store I have ever given my email to, regarding the measures they were taking with dealing with the pandemic, and I thought “Wow! This got to be serious!”. I also remember the silence as we all waited to learn more about this virus from the experts. By the end of February, I still didn’t know if the festival would take place as usual, and I was worried.
Wisconsin’s ‘Stay-At-Home’ order
On March 25, 2020, Governor Evers issued a ‘Stay-At-Home’ order in the state of Wisconsin. By then, the University of Wisconsin decided that the 2020 Wisconsin Film Festival needed to be canceled, however the films would be streamed on YouTube. I was very disappointed and so the rest of the team who worked very hard for months on this project.
As an artist, it was sad seeing other events being canceled due to the pandemic. So much time, effort, and resources were lost, but it was understandable that it was for everyone's best interest. During this time many jobs and skills were redefined as essential and many job positions were eliminated. Several industries were hurt financially, and other types of industries became essential. Myself and other fellow artists across the globe started to question if making art was still relevant, many conversations took place in Facebook groups about our concerns.
A "New Normal"
It took a few weeks for many organizations to understand what was going on and how to best address our current situation. Many people turned to social media, and digital communications became critical to work and to keep each other connected. I do not imagine living in a pandemic without the internet.
After much reflection, I am convinced that most people kept their sanity during these difficult times thanks to the internet and the arts. Content like movies, TV series, music, pictures, books, memes, etc. were available online and helped our community with emotional processing.
Many art organizations made their content available for free online. Many artists started working on new art pieces that reflected the times we were living. Other artists were struggling in different ways, mainly financially.
People who did not consider themselves artists turned to art with the hope of managing their stress levels. It was inspiring to see them sharing their projects on social media.
Little Angel Theatre thrived during this time and was featured on the news for its creative ways to keep inspiring people to make art using items found at home. This type of news always brings a smile to my face.
And I shared the Wisconsin Film Festival trailer on social media with friends and family.
2020 Wisconsin Film Festival Trailer. Production Design by Monica Cliff.
Art is not a luxury; art is a necessary form of expression and the key element that reminds us of our own humanity and always inspire us to be better. As artists what we do matters.
Are you an artist that was impacted by COVID-19?
How did you enjoy art during the quarantine?
If you have any examples of amazing, inspiring artists or art, please share it with us by leaving a comment!
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