WHY WE SHOULD SUPPORT THE ARTS NOW MORE THAN EVER
Photo credit : Shane Young
Ali shute ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE COEUR D ’ ALENE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As we all struggle to deal with this pandemic , I have been inspired by the impact of how creatively the arts have helped us cope by providing opportunities to smile , sing , dance , and give us those personal experiences that enable us to connect . The arts persist , and , in fact , are even more valuable in difficult times .
We need the arts to renew our spirits after months of isolation due to the collective trauma from the tumultuous year we have had with COVID-19 , a divisive election , and the anxiety of witnessing racist acts of violence . Boosting our capacity for compassion makes us a stronger kind of humanity . Art experiences foster that compassion , and our ability to imagine different ways of being , enabling us to thrive and be fully human . www . artsandculturecda . org
“ The country is so wounded , bleeding , and hurt right now . The country needs to be healed — it ’ s not going to be healed from the top , politically . How are we going to heal ? Art is the healing force .” ~ Robert Redford
Photo Credits : Ali Shute , Andrea Jensen , Joel Riner
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