The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the artist community. Prior to the pandemic, art programs and art centers were under-funded and under-supplied. However, the economic impacts of the pandemic have further magnified these issues; now, these art programs are more under-funded than before. Employment in the art sector has decreased as a result of the pandemic thus leaving these art programs with no instructors or supervisors. Many out-of-school art centers have been forced to close.
Additionally, museums and art galleries have also been adversely impacted. Initially, the pandemic caused many of these museums to close down to the public for some time. Because of the closings, these museums lost a lot of money and a lot of artists. Some of the more financially stable museums were lucky enough to retain their artists and make a virtual museum tour so people could still view the beautiful art pieces. Now, with social distancing, fortunately, many museums have been able to re-open.
Art made by Megan Lee
Some artists have been able to use their creativity in order to pull themselves out of these tumultuous times. Artists who still want to put their art on display have come up with innovative ideas for people to view their art while still maintaining social distance. For example, some artists have displayed their art virtually and some artists have displayed their work in an outdoor setting.
We, at Colors4Change, have been doing everything we can to support the artist community throughout the pandemic. Colors4Change has made many monetary and art supply donations to art programs and organizations such as ArtWorks. Furthermore, we have raised awareness for artists by informing members of our community of the struggles that many art programs and art centers have been facing because of COVID. Colors4Change will continue to raise awareness, donate, and advocate for the art community in hope of making art universally available to all again!