I just realized I’m in mourning

Maybe it was the virtual ACL Fest that finally twisted the knife ( I wrote last year how ACL is part of my identity). Maybe it’s hitting the six month mark of working remotely with very little in-person interaction beyond our household. I’m not sure what the last straw was, but I’m feeling a profound sense of loss today.

Something changed when I realized, for a lot of things, there’s no turning back now. You can read my sentiments from a few months ago, which were very optimistic. I still feel that we are learning some valuable societal lessons during the pandemic that will ignite innovation and advance equity and generosity. However, as a creative type who is energized and inspired by art, music, and film, I’m starting to worry there’s no return for many of our museums, live music venues, theaters, and artists who were on the brink. And I’m starting to feel it —I’m starting to mourn.

I’m mourning…

For live music

For in-person interactions with art

For the great halls of public architecture

For sitting at a cafe and people watching

For walking around downtown

For seeing a new movie in the theater

For a bustling happy hour

For standing in line at a food truck

For festivals and celebrations

For travel and exploration

And more.

But what I’m really mourning is the sense of community, connection, freedom, and discovery all of these things bring.

There’s something intangible but vitally important lost with all of these communal and eye-opening experiences.

Do you remember that feeling of anticipation, waiting and counting down the days for a new film or concert, lining up with other excited strangers, theorizing and musing about what the characters will do next, what song they’ll play first, and then being in the event together — ooh-ing and awe-ing, cheering, laughing, singing at the top of our lungs, all together? In a society that’s ever more fractured, these types of art experiences unify us in joy and shared appreciation. They inspire us to have faith in each other, they free us of the confines of our daily worries, and set our minds forward.

We have to save the arts to save our community.

Donate and advocate for your favorite museums, venues, theatres, and artists today.