The Role of the Arts During Covid-19: Gendered Expressions of Resilience & Empowerment

Abstract

The Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) underscores many structural challenges within the U.S. that propagate inequality and health disparities experienced by women and communities of color; the pandemic has also intensified public distrust, social discord, and trauma. More than ever, the American landscape necessitates innovative public health approaches to mitigate inequality and mental health challenges. Robust data exists on the public health benefits conferred from the arts, including re-building trust and building social cohesion. This study sought to understand the role of the arts and female artists during the pandemic to improve public health and social justice. Fifty female participants, primarily artists, were interviewed to understand:

how to leverage the arts to advance public health and social justice; the impact of COVID-19 on female artists’ lives and livelihoods; and how to support female artists, particularly innovators committed to promoting public health or social justice. The study’s results reveal that female artists play a critical role through their ideals, diverse stories, and critiques. Their adaptive leadership skills also confer significant benefits to society; they can creatively identify, address and resolve challenges. Thus, artists can innovatively partner with public health practitioners and communities to address and resolve formidable challenges that our nation faces.

While COVID-19 had significant consequences on female artists’ lives and livelihoods, many demonstrated their ability to adapt and increase their resilience (and support individuals around them to do the same). Many artists shifted their work to online platforms to support communities and audiences experiencing isolation during the pandemic. However, artists need more support to promote public health or social justice. Experts primarily from the arts elaborated on the diverse and creative ways the arts can promote public health and social justice. Despite challenges, many experts remained committed to their audiences, consumers, and students through institutional support. Experts also provided strategies and recommendations to support the arts and the female artists who creatively and compassionately seek to address and resolve society’s challenges. Covid-19 has underscored public health practitioners need to engage with diverse stakeholders, including female artist-changemakers, to identify, address, and reconcile challenges. The role of female artists, particularly changemakers, should be expanded in the public health field. America’s natural resource, her artists, can help us achieve a healthier and more just society.