ART AS ACTIVATING
On the Wednesday morning following the US election, this thought came to mind.
“I used to think art was enough to save us all, but now I realize that art not witnessed in community has no driving force but to exist and to exist is not enough. Not for anything or anyone. “
The pandemic gave me a false sense of hope that people would come to realize the true value of art, and why we need it. However, the more I have tried to negotiate an increase in my fee, or find venues that we can play our music without losing our shirts, I have realized that this was a dream that fell flat. I began to realize that if I do not find my bottom line, I could not move the dial. Does this mean we do not have a vibrant arts community here in Calgary? No. It just means that people are out there making sacrifices to make it happen. Some of those folks are making sacrifices not knowing when their next paycheck will come in, some have plenty in the bank. But it’s happening.
The most obvious thing that I feel is in play in our current political and cultural climate is the reluctance to gather in community. This might be out of justified fear of a virus, or perhaps dopamine addiction, caused by our devices, keeping us at home, or honestly just apathy and isolation. We are afraid to share in who we are, our beliefs, our experiences, our shame. What is most common about the folks that are choosing not to go out? Isolation.
I’m not the only one who feels this way. I had the priviledge in December to attend a meet and greet with the Chair of the Board of Canada Council for the Arts, Jesse Wente. Right at the top, Jesse claimed the crisis of belonging across the nations. Social anxiety is rampant among our teens, adults are scared to leave the house, downtowns are becoming wastelands. In the midst of all that, the artists keep on creating, but we are losing steam. It’s true. I have spoken with so many who are tired of not being able to find affordable spaces to present their art, of using their voice to express their value (both fiscally and social-emotionally.) Right now, it’s a wafer thin line that holds up many of their hearts and wills. And it’s not as though there is no money for the arts. The philanthropic endowment made to Arts Commons this past year is the proof in the pudding. But many local artists and arts organizations are not feeling good about it? Why, because we don’t know how we will belong to it.
What does belonging even mean though?
I feel that my job as both an artist and an arts administrator has become less about presenting music and more about creating community and overcoming this crisis of belonging. It’s a reason why youth groups and theatre were so important to me growing up as a kid. It’s the place where all the weirdos were welcome. We all need to feel we belong, and that is more essential than what thing of beauty is being presented to an audience. It makes art accessible.
Imagine you have never been to an art gallery out of fear of not understanding. Or avoiding jazz because it’s too noisy or complex. Or maybe you think all folk music shows end with Kumbaya. Organizations that are successful in combating these preconceived ideas make you feel welcome when you walk in the door. For you, the audience, belonging gives you a reason to come back.
For artists, Belonging helps to defeat the sense of shame that comes with wanting to create art, but not having any real impact on the gross profit margin. Of choosing to be creative in spite of the barriers that exist, self-imposed or imposed by society.
We need each other. And we are relying far too much on our leaders to know what we need as an arts community and audience. You must voice your concerns about the state of the arts community to your city councilors, MLA’s and MP’s, and to the leaders of our institutions. Your voice is your one true power. And not everyone can march, not everyone can sit in. For some, it’s the strength of a letter or phone call, a coffee meeting, or the way we raise our kids. Don’t be afraid to use your power.
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