Americans For the Arts organization launched a new communities initiative to be part of a vision to restore communities through the arts. "The New Community Visions Initiative will explore the future of local arts in America and the role of community-based arts that enable organizations, funders, cultural institutions, and artists to shape healthier communities over time. More and more emergencies can happen unexpectedly in communities just like yours, to people like you. Often, the arts are one of the first things people turn to in times of need. Make sure you’re able to support your community in these tough times," exclaims Americans for the Arts.
The communities of Fargo, ND, New Orleans, LA and Monmouth County, NJ have used the arts to support their community in collaboration with Americans for the Arts. Two massive floods effected Monmouth County between 2009 and 2011. During the second flood the community banned together by filling and stacking sandbags to fend off encroaching water. Those that were too young, ill, had children to care for, etc. decorated sand bags with words of encouragement and drawings for disaster workers. Each new bag pulled from the pile expressed gratitude and encouragement for those working endless hours to stop the flooding.
Eighteen thousand New Orleans residents utilized emergency evacuation routes during Hurricane Katrina. After, the city sought out to make new signs indicating new evacuation routes to replace the small pre-existing signs. The city commissioned artists to create sculptures to indicate fifteen to seventeen evacuation spots around the city. The sculptures have become recognizable to the public. Small figurines representing the sculptures were fashioned into decorative pins for the public to wear.
The Monmouth County, NJ Arts Council campaigned to support community based art projects in towns greatly effected by Hurricane Katrina. The Middletown Arts Center created new art programs for students while schools remained closed. County Basie Theatre and Two River Theatre became charging stations throughout and after the disaster.
Using the arts to positively effect your community in times of need can create a stronger community. Involving the community in disaster preparedness by using all resources available, including the arts, could ensure a faster recovery from the often devastating effects brought on by natural disasters. What pre-existing art programs are in place in your community's disaster preparedness plans? What are some ideas for community based art projects?
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