Why we need art in a time of crisis

31 | DIARY OF A VET STUDENT

Art in the form of painting, listening to music, learning to play an instrument, singing, and engaging in other creative outlets can be very beneficial to your mental health. CREDIT: UNSPLASH

ANNE O'KEEFE

As we enter 2021, it's hard to believe that it has been a full year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For an entire year the whole world has lived in a state of perpetual fear and anxiety due to the coronavirus. While we patiently wait for the distribution of the vaccine, it's important for us to reflect on our needs during these troubling times.

Art is essential to the well-being of humans during crises, especially an event such as the global pandemic. Some may argue that enjoying art is nowhere near the top of the priority list during these unprecedented times. While some may choose to live by this notion, I believe it is of the utmost importance that we incorporate art into our lives right now.

One of the biggest concerns that has come out of this pandemic has been the rising number of people suffering from mental health related issues. I’ve seen it firsthand as a student. Individuals are feeling isolated from each other and their own families, and kids are dealing with the stress of online school amongst countless other things. It’s been an uphill battle for many, including myself.

While there isn’t one magic fix to all our problems, art can provide an immense relief. Art in the form of painting, listening to music, learning to play an instrument, singing, and engaging in other creative outlets can be very beneficial to your mental health.

According to the Mental Health Foundation of the United Kingdom, getting involved with the arts, especially visual and performing arts, can enable people to deal with a wide range of mental health conditions and help alleviate psychological distress. Whether that be through attempting a Bob Ross painting or finally learning how to play the piano, the options for artistic expression are vast and there is an accessible, affordable, and enjoyable option for all.

The distance we’ve had to keep from one another during this virus has been a tough pill to swallow. While social media has kept us in close contact, there is a certain feeling about sharing an experience with someone in person that can't be replicated over a Zoom call. So, the question is: how do we bring people together when they need to be apart?

Performance or live art of any kind is a crucial experience to incorporate into your life right now. Since the start of the pandemic, live performances and venues have become a faint memory of the past. The euphoric feeling of being part of a crowd at a concert is something that simply cannot be beat. Many different venues understand this and have chosen to host live concerts and events that are available to stream from your home.

Since early March, Billboard routinely updates their website with information about various upcoming concerts and performances. Dozens of dates with a variety of artists have become available for streaming with ticket prices ranging from around $10$20. While it might not be the same as being there, it is still a unique experience that you can share with your friends and family. It’s an activity worth bonding over and something else to discuss that's not related to the number of COVID-19 cases arising on any given day.

Overall, living a healthy and fulfilling life presents a challenge right now. With so many elements of our day-to-day life altered, it is hard to deal with our newfound way of living. These days art has become a form of medicine. It represents a way for us to heal and cope with our struggles, and it’s a pathway for our self-expression that serves as a unifier among people.

Pablo Picasso once said, “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”

Ultimately, that's what we need to do now: Come home, dust off our fears and allow ourselves to engage with our creative side.