#ArtHeals: Using Art to Thrive in the Pandemic

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Charlie Co, a Negros artist, battled with COVID-19 in a hospital back in November 2020. Eight months later, Co chuckles at the memory of his close encounter with death, and the more terrifying medical bill that followed. 

According to Co, artists have the responsibility to show the importance of the time they live in. The pandemic is the highlight of 2020, and with this, Co rcognized the prospect of hunger that many artists face. He met with Viva Excon movers Manny Montelibano and Toto Tarossa, as well as with the owner of Bacolod's oldest grocery chain, Victor Benjamin “Bong” Lopue. They discussed how to help local artists, and immediately bought food for 40 artist families, including P5,000 worth of food and health products. 

This project continued and expanded under the #ArtHeals concept where they raised funds through seven online exhibits. The first exhibit was led by Co himself, raising almost P1 million. The impact reached filmmakers and musicians, even medical frontliners and animal welfare groups.

This story of art helping a community to thrive even in the darkest moments of the world is only one of many. Art reminds us to live in time where death plagues us, and ultimately, art saves us.


#ArtHeals. Artists packing relief goods.



Reference

Espina-Varona, I. (2021). In a world gone mad, Negros artists find healing points. Rappler.
https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/arts-culture/negros-artists-find-healing-points-world-gone-mad-pandemic/

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