The British author Neil Gaiman once said, “Choose Art. It matters.”
And who could disagree? As arts awareness continues to grow locally, residents are realizing the vital role the arts play. Not only do the arts provide entertainment and enrich physical environments, they also enliven communities, foster understanding, promote emotional wellbeing, and boost regional economies. Arts Alliance Illinois (AAI) is throwing another benefit into the mix: the arts can inspire a resistant audience to protect themselves against COVID-19.
AAI announced its statewide Arts and Vaccination Campaign in May and contacted arts leaders in 24 regions across Illinois to assist with the program. The goal is to channel the creative talent of local artists to send a “vax to get back” message to an unvaccinated population. This strategy will endeavor to instill a spirit of community action and provide much-needed grant funding for the participating artists.
Arts DuPage, a countywide arts council under the umbrella of DuPage Foundation, was one of the first organizations identified by AAI to lead the initiative as it is “embedded in the target area and has intimate knowledge of the arts and culture landscape for the region.”
Arts DuPage organizers were quick to recognize the value of the crusade: a positive vaccination rate is essential to the creative sector. Even with COVID-19 restrictions lifted, many cultural venues face decreased revenue due to low attendee confidence levels. Using the arts to encourage vaccine-hesitant residents can help expedite the process and get audiences and communities safely back to in-person arts activities.
After an extensive search, four DuPage County artists meeting AAI’s requirements were vetted and recruited. George Berlin, Ryan Jolly, Nolan McCants and Fernando Ramirez joined the campaign and will use their ingenuity and community connections to reach those who remain indifferent to media efforts from public health officials.
Naperville artist Nolan McCants is delighted to be included in the program. As an author, entrepreneur, and pastor, Nolan will call upon his PR skills to craft a PSA with a punch. “My message was designed to resonate with a demographic reported to have a lower-than-average vaccination rate. Conveyed through a visual story, it will show a sharp contrast between where we are now and where we could be if everyone gets on board.”
All DuPage County Arts and Vaccination projects will be available for viewing on Arts DuPage’s social media sites and at venues throughout the area by August 1, 2021. Additionally, AAI will highlight all of the 100+ Arts & Vaccination projects through its shared content site as well as local and national media outlets.
