Staff Reports
The Columbus Area Arts Council has launched a new initiative to connect people across Bartholomew County and beyond and spread a message of hope and positivity.
Prompted by Gov. Eric Holcomb’s call for social distancing and staying at home to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, the nonprofit arts council has been exploring ways to continue carrying out its mission, “to strengthen the community through arts and culture.”
As is the case with many arts organizations, the arts council’s programming has often focused on people coming together for creative experiences. With these new guidelines for public health have come challenges — but also an opportunity to think about how the local agency can help community members connect with one another, even as people shelter in place.
For the new “Stay Healthy–Stay Creative” initiative, the arts council has worked with local graphic designer Brooke Hawkins to create yard signs and window signs that reinforce two important ideas at this time: maintaining health, and creating inspiration in the face of new changes and challenges.
Arts council leaders believe that artists are known for their ingenuity and resourcefulness, and in these uncertain times, people are called to rethink how we come together to form a community and strengthen our relationships with others.
While residents’ day-to-day lives are very different from even a month ago, it is the arts council’s hope that this initiative can underscore the importance of physical well-being during this time, and also encourage people to consider these new circumstances as an opportunity for creativity.
With a minimum donation of $20 to support the arts council, contributors will receive a “Stay Healthy–Stay Creative” sign delivered by the arts council team to their door.
No face-to-face interaction is required. For those who don’t have gardens or green spaces, signs will fit nicely in your window, according to organizers.
Information: artsincolumbus.org/stay-healthy-stay-creative.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Getting a sign” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
To order one of the Columbus Area Arts Council yard signs for a minimum of $20:
[sc:pullout-text-end]
