The COVID-19 pandemic was devastating for many industries worldwide which crippled the world economy. The creative arts industry was one of those industries mostly hit with a total stall of its activities. Theatres were closed, concerts canceled, entertainment areas closed, arts’ schools closed, studios closed, filming stopped, rehearsals stopped. Our industry was basically shut down. We do not know when and how will it recover. However, it is very important to know that the world needs us now more than ever. This pandemic is leaving its scars within the psyche of each individual. People need arts as a therapy to go on with their lives with the least damage possible.

We’ve been shut down but it is up to us to resurrect stronger than ever before. We must sing, dance, act, and paint in the streets again. We must go back to basics. We artists must unite and form our own communities. By communities I mean actually physical villages where artists live together and create together. Like-minded people who will have the potential to explore new horizons. Will organize events of all types for audiences to benefit from.

Imagine a family walking through a small arts village in any European country being it be Spain, Portugal, Romania, or any other. The colorful streets will be full of performers, small street theatres, sculptures, magicians, and many. Open-air theatres with small audiences where actors can interact with their audience. This village will become one big attraction.

All artists living in such a village will live in a very eco-friendly way ideally very close to nature and not in the middle of a city. A sustainable eco-village with local food produces mainly vegetable-based and sustainable energy provision. Am sure that together we can create our own sustainable economy. Ideally, there will be clusters of art villages throughout Europe. Artists can easily move from one cluster to another to share experiences. We will grow individually and also as a community.

Being a green and creative project, one can obtain funding from the EU as part of the Green Economy. There are abandoned small villages in countries like Spain and Portugal that can be brought back to life. With proper planning, one can put together a proposal documenting the investment and the returns one expects. However, financial returns should be the main objective. The improved quality of life for the artists and the people who experience the arts shall be at the forefront. Each cluster will impose a limit on the daily visitors not to have an over consumerism that may dampen the experience of each individual.

Currently, there are travel restrictions and people are less confident to travel. However, this will not go on forever. We will get back to a new norm and we need to deliver a new artistic lung to this planet. We are not above nature but part of it. Hence we need to show full respect to our planet by using our creativity to pass on the message to others that this is our only home and we must take care of it. Let’s make it happen.

Jose’ Micallef

16th September 2020

Malta