A letter to artists, at the moment

Dear artist,

I’m writing to you because, despite the worry for your bread that you may be feeling right now, our city urgently needs you at this moment. As you very well know, your work helps make sense out of the abstruse, and in turn, can plant the seeds of healing and restoration.

Let me emphasize that I’m not deaf to the worries you have for your wellbeing — no doubt this period of isolation will mean trouble for those who rely on art as their primary source of income.

But with what today gives us — which may be extra time — let me illuminate the importance of your work, especially in these times.

You give form to our emotions​: Expressive and creative work gives language to our emotions, which we may not be able to articulate on our own. You remind us of our humanity and counteract the callousness and withering anyone of us may be experiencing. Help us name what’s happening in the world in a thousand ways. Your interpretation doesn’t have to be right — we just want it to be honest.

You turn the prism on blight​: Where others see decay and blight, you see opportunity. On countless occasions artists have moved into economically depressed areas and restored neighborhoods through whimsy and beauty. Artist — don’t withdraw (yes, stay socially distanced, but figuratively…don’t withdraw). We need you to move toward the blight and help us reframe what we’re seeing — illuminate the possibilities where everyone else sees ruin.

You weave new connections​: Your work creates connection — whether between us and you, us and a broader social narrative, or between friends and strangers standing next to each other interpreting a painting. The color on a canvas or the shape of a sculpture adds a charge to the way we connect with each other. In a time where distance is the norm, we need you to give tone to our connections.

You project hope​: Fear shortens our horizons. Creation stretches it out. Your work protects our imagination from despair, and gives us hope to create forward. If we can see you now, it gives us courage and imagination to move toward restoration.

Artist, don’t shrink back. Help us interpret all the hues of our times.

Sincerely,

All of us