Make Art Not Walls
A universal language that unifies
Art is a universal language. Irrespective of the form of art, be it visual, music, dance, theatre, or any other form, it is a unifying medium that knows no boundaries. In times like this, where the world society is trying to come to terms with a new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic, art has become a necessity to keep societies and communities together and sane.
Unfortunately, when one looks at what is really going on in this world, we see people in power building walls of discrimination and fear amongst communities. These walls are not necessarily physical walls. People in power systematically create circumstances of division. They forget that the subject matter is a human being. We are witnessing what is happening with mass migration from troubled countries to safer places. The racial and religious divisions. Gender and sexual orientation differences.
We are easily influenced and create our own internal walls within our minds. We segregate ourselves. The fear that is constantly showered on people through media has an immense impact on people’s mental health. People are getting less happy cause they let the media take control of their thoughts.
Art is an amazing tool that puts down such walls. Art is needed now more than ever. We need to sing, dance, and create more. The art industry is one of the industries that has taken the big blow during the pandemic. A high number of artists and those who support them lost their jobs. The theatres, art galleries and museums closed down. Events were canceled. Society needs arts. Art makes us move on with our lives. Art is the lubricant for our minds. Art is a unifying tool between nations. Invest in the art industry and we will have a better world.
Make Art not Walls.
Jose’ Micallef
Malta, 4th Sept 2020