Creativity Finds A Way

By Guest Contributor John Andrews, Creative Collective

In the face of crisis, the inherent creativity of humans WILL not stop. Many of those that create for a living quickly pivoted, adjusted, and learned new platforms to share their time and talents for essential needs, education, and entertainment purposes. From online dance lessons, social distance friendly front porch photo sessions, to late-night immersive theatre LARPS and virtual festivals featuring music from all over the world there is no lack of opportunities to engage with while we stay safe.

Banner from Facebook group Quarantine Dance 
Specials 2020, contributed by Tiny Rosales

These events and actions not only help us stay connected, they represent meaningful income opportunities for artists and creatives who lost earnings from performances, in-person sales and design contracts. As Massachusetts reports record numbers of unemployment filings and the Federal government passes laws to include the “gig economy” in unemployment assistance programs, many makers and artisans moved their work online to create new ways to earn income. 

The thousands of digital performances and creative initiatives popping up in cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth also demonstrate the collective power of the creative community. The Brickyard Collaborative in Lynn, MA is just one of many groups organizing makers to help protect frontline workers by sewing masks. Students at Berklee College of Music created an uplifting virtual musical performance and MassArt is converting their campus for emergency worker housing.

The Ecotarium in Worcester developed a series of educational resources to engage students stuck at home in the public sciences. A spontaneous public art project covering iconic running statues along the Boston Marathon route is raising awareness for public safety. By harnessing the resources, ingenuity, and skills of the creative and cultural community, we are contributing to the care of our neighbors across the Commonwealth and around the globe. 

Comedians, actors, and indigenous dancers local and far, are proving that isolation doesn’t mean the end of art, creativity, and cultural celebration. In fact, thanks to online creative content creation due to social distancing, we are forging meaningful connections across the globe.

Creativity will find a way and yes #ArtsMatter.

Statue of Dick and Rick Hoyt in Hopkinton by Mike Tabor 
Photo by GEORGE V. BROWN, from Boston Globe

John Andrews is a member of MASSCreative’s Leadership Council and the owner of Creative Collective, a business program that fosters the sustainability of creative industries throughout the North Shore and beyond.  Visit Creativecollectivema.com for information on the business program and creativenorthshore.com for news and information on arts, culture, and happenings north of Boston.

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