NAVIGATING: Continue Onto Arts Route 101, The Destination Is On Your Right

By: André Solomon

Many of us are digesting the fact that two years have passed since COVID-19 altered our ways of life. Sometimes I wait for the end credits to roll for this unusual era that seems movie-like or for Ashton Kutcher to scream, “YOU GOT PUNK’D!” And if you recently saw Don’t Look Up (highly-recommend), directed by Adam McKay, you would see parallels. In my opinion, 2020 highlighted that our current systems and the people who operate within them are not alright. 

A Wake Up Call

It’s not shocking to be periodically reminded that our systems need adjustment, but 2020 prompted global attention. The ignition started because we all were at risk, where the typical averting perspective was not allowed. Even if you believed in the virus or not, COVID-19 was on everybody's minds, almost like a crazed fashion trend. Our eyes glued to the news, yet not all updates upon the virus. As minds consumed information closely it was unavoidable to see the various tragedies our world was experiencing including, racial violence (the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other countless victims at the hands of police), political controversy (Trump), economic inequality (Student Loan Debt) and climate crisis (Australian Fires). The unfortunate part is that these critical issues are nothing new, yet it took a collective threat for us all to pay attention. However, the fortunate part is our increasing access to technology and efforts to uplift the interconnectedness between communities has allowed us to collectively speak up about injustice. Though there is trauma, there have been many conscious actions to support one another in these trying times. 

Set of Languages

Laurie T. Schell mentions in her work with Case-Making And Systems Change In Arts & Cultural Education, “I [have] witnessed the arts serving as a vehicle for society to grapple with these changes.” For some, like myself, we navigate difficult times with our art. 

Creative Therapies 

It’s not the first time I used music to navigate difficult situations and I would bet many use the arts to cope, whether participating or observing. This quote by Nietzsche paints the scenario nicely: “Without music, life would be a mistake.” For me, life has been an ongoing lesson in understanding that life’s spectrum of moments, between good and bad, are experienced by everyone. Things just happen to people. Yet, how do we process the bad? There are several strategies with the arts as an optional remedy because of their wellness powers. To combat tough times and protect ourselves, one might escape through the stories of a play, indulge in songs or perhaps paint emotions on the canvas. Whatever it may be, there is a therapeutic aspect that acts as a coping mechanism. 

Thinking about Nietzsche’s quote, it would be interesting to experiment and evaluate an experience where people were devoid of the arts, however, I would never wish that on anyone. Would this be the data all arts organizations need to state their case? Think about how many people have turned to entertainment to navigate the current world. But honestly, I do not believe humans can survive without arts and creativity, even architecture is art when you think about it. 

Social Justice Arts

The continued beauty of the arts is in its versatile nature. Not only for wellness but additional efforts towards advocacy where the artform has the agency to enact change. These past few years have spurred artistic creations to speak about our current injustices, whether it be upon the Racial Reckoning or COVID-19 pandemic. A skillset artists seem to inherit, and wonder if due to our understanding of the power this form of communication has upon others. The pieces that make you think, or cry, come from those who truly understand the human condition. Think about it, we are searching for the pieces of the unknown, because we so desperately want to understand how to operate in this world. Artists can help us understand how to be human. 

Human Resilience

As we navigate the bumpy terrain ahead, give yourself grace as there may be days where things are not alright. Because our systems hold onto unrealistic expectations that promote “business as usual” mindsets, one has to leave room and advocate for both artistic escapes and actions. If we do not express ourselves, especially during this era of global attention, voices will be muffled and the status quo protected. 


So I ask, how will you be navigating the next two years with the arts?