Watching the intense and exotic ‘Serpent’ on catch up last night got me thinking about the importance of the arts at this time. Rightly so, everyone has been concentrating on science recently – where would we be without scientists and everyone involved in not only mapping out how to cope with, and react to COVID, but also the unreal achievement of creating a vaccine within a few short months (although, it feels like forever!). And of course our frontline workers, treating people every day, relentlessly. The importance of science isn’t in doubt; but the contribution of the arts also needs to be recognised. I realise this blog isn’t really anything to do with a marketing consultancy! It’s more a personal piece at a time where we are focusing on what keeps us going each day, each week, each month and now, as we approach a year. I’ve made no secret that I've found this whole thing a struggle – just like we all have. There’s been some particularly difficult times...there’s also been some good times, but one thing that has kept me going and I’m sure has for many is creativity – doing it, watching it, reading it, or listening to it. Some of the most amazing series’ have been released. I’ve also revisited movies I haven’t seen in years, Back to The Future being a staple for me - I love 80s nostalgia. In terms of ‘boxed sets’ (will we always call them this?!) to name a few, I’ve loved It’s a Sin, Cobra Kai, Firefly Lane, Life, Ratched, The Crown, Dear White People, Unbelievable, Stranger Things, and, who can forget Tiger King. These characters have become our new friends (maybe not so much Joe Exotic…). And such programmes have allowed us travel the world in a way we’ve not been allowed to for a long time now.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I’ve read less than I should have – but having recently rekindled this, it really is the best way to switch off, and is so good for my brain. Also, one thing that might make my dad extremely proud, is that after 38 years I’m finally voluntarily listening to classical music! Not all the time, but when I’m working and just want a calming atmosphere that takes the stress away. Well, almost. Then I'll stick Little Mix on :-).
So, even though we’re going to be financially (and mentally, physically) damaged as a nation and a planet for a long time after this, I hope the arts aren’t forgotten in it all. It’s kept us feeling better than we might have otherwise, provided much-needed escapism, and of course kept some artists in jobs. There will be lots of different roles within the arts I haven’t covered here – purely because they aren’t something that I’ve managed to get around to, or am not naturally a fan of; art, fashion (I do love fashion, but leggings are where it’s at for now) – so many facets that have given people pleasure in a very tough year.
My eldest daughter lives for singing, dancing, drawing, painting, and anything creative. I don’t plan on trying to curb that or tell her to look for a ‘proper’ career path. Let’s see where it goes, because if she brings people pleasure like these characters, singers and amazing creative people have to me, long may it continue.
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