Public projects have been used for decades to bring communities together in times of need. Most recently, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, communities across the world experienced hardship and losses. However, through public art, they can be brought together as art has the power to unite people from all backgrounds and provide opportunities for individuals and businesses to contribute positively towards rebuilding their community. 

For instance, it is no secret that artists, much like individuals in other professions, fell on hard times during the pandemic. However, by supporting local artists, not only can communities help them financially, but also foster an environment of love and support. In this article by RevArt, we’ll explore the role public art can play in a post-COVID world.

Looking for ways to create unity among the community

The onset of the pandemic created truly unprecedented challenges for communities across the country. ABC News says that one of the biggest problems is the political and ideological divide Not only has this divide led to souring relationships but weakening the overall strength of communities. This divide has not only strained relationships but has also weakened the overall strength of communities.

However, public art has the power to rebuild these relationships and serve as a tool to unite communities. This is because public art projects often become a source of local pride that is felt collectively by all members of the community. Also, some projects, like a community graffiti wall, sculptures, etc., may need the help and participation of locals in order to be finished. Re-creating a sense of shared pride can be a very effective way to bring people together and end the current divisions in society.

Find out how you can support public art

Individuals and business owners can get involved in their local community by helping artists, especially those who have been affected by the pandemic. Oftentimes, these collaborations are seen as win-win situations for both parties. On the one hand, it gives artists who are having trouble making a living a way to make money. On the other hand, it makes communities more attractive and gives businesses a chance to get their names out there.

As reported by Bloomberg, Bloomberg Philanthropies is a large-scale project to help up to 10 cities across the United States receive close to $1 million in funding for creating public art which focuses on tackling community and social issues. Similarly, if you’re a business owner, consider teaming up with other entrepreneurs in the community to create similar projects to address local issues through the power of art.

As for individuals, if you're artistic and feeling inspired to finally create your own art business, especially if you plan to use it to transform your community, learn how to start an LLC and set it up as such.

Use art to help people overcome loneliness

While public isolation policies helped to curb the spread of COVID-19, they had a negative impact on the mental health of individuals across the US. This is shown by research done by the IAM Lab, which says that 3 out of every 5 Americans are lonely right now. This is a 13% rise from the same research done in 2018, which shows that this is becoming a bigger health problem that needs to be fixed.

Even though lockdown rules have been lifted, allowing people to be more social, loneliness is still a problem in the US. As mentioned in the previous section, collaborative public art projects can be the perfect way to help people get over being alone. People can use public art to express themselves, build community, and deal with stress and uncertainty, which have been big problems since the pandemic began.

Conclusion

In a world after a pandemic, public art will be a big part of rebuilding communities and helping people deal with social and mental health problems. Local businesses can also help people connect with each other and get over ideological differences that grew during the pandemic by encouraging people to take part in public art projects.