With the necessary social restrictions of COVID-19, many of us are suddenly without income. It’s scary and easy to despair, but I’ve been inspired by my clients, most of whom are artists, art organizations, or non-profits promoting events. With the cancellation of pretty much everything, they – like the rest of the world – are staring at a very uncertain future.

Even in the best of times, though, artists have a tough time making a living. Art isn’t considered a necessity for most, and I have to admit that it doesn’t fall within the basic-needs category. However, as we all hunker down in front of our TVs watching streaming movies and shows to stave off boredom and worry, it might be a good time to start acknowledging its value. And that’s just the most obvious example…

Within a week of the start of shut-downs, two long-time clients of mine – both internationally renowned, Rochester-based groups – came up with brilliant ideas to combat the traumatic halt in paid work by staying engaged in the creative process and connecting with community.

PUSH Physical Theatre responded to the disappearance of real-time, in-person access to the arts and arts education with a project called “Reach out and virtually touch someone…PUSH responds to COVID-19.”

“Along with all others at the University of Rochester, my “Mastering the Actor’s Body” class has been canceled,” explained PUSH Co-Founder/Co-Director Darren Stevenson (pictured above). “But PUSH is starting to create a series of free training videos for anyone who wants to keep their education going during this difficult time.”

The company began shooting at Rochester’s Airigami studio at MADE ON STATE this week. Although the fellow teaching artists are generously providing these services at no cost to PUSH, the company is crowd-fundraising via Network for Good to cover other associated costs at:  https://www.facebook.com/donate/882031985568872/10158337710711289/.

Meanwhile Airigami itself – in its typical out-of-the-box thinking– has come up creative ventures of its own in order to continue community-building art experiences, including the first (but hopefully not annual) #antisocialartshow – Let’s make stuff together (separately).

“Everyone is invited to create a piece of artwork, whether it be musical, visual, edible, readable – anything, really – in the comfort of their own homes. Then, just take a photo and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #antisocialartshow,” explains Airigami Creative Director Kelly Cheatle. “The only rule is that you have to use what you have on hand – it totally defeats the purpose if you head out to the store.”

More than 100 images have already been uploaded to the online gallery.

The Antisocial Art Show is free, but Airigami also launched some entrepreneurial delivery ideas to cheerily combat social distancing (https://www.airigami.com/shop.): Floral Yard Stickers, Community Pop-Up Gardens, Window Wish Yard Displays, and Happy B-Day Cupcake Yard Stickers. However, these are no longer available due to Gov. Cuomo’s order that 100% of non-essential workers stay home.

“This is a scary time for all of us,” says Airigami Artistic Director Larry Moss. “As far as Airigami is concerned, our calendars may be empty, but our brains are still full of creative ideas that we want to share.”

Hope this has inspired you as well,