If you’re feeling powerless when disasters strike around the world or in your own backyard and want to help, we share your frustration. This article offers ways in which you can make a difference. As part of our mission, The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS communicates how artists help victims of disasters. Whether the efforts help individuals, society and/or the planet, you’ll find many different inspirational ideas and resources.
Rest assured, as we find more resources for you they will be added to our website.
Most recently, as Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas and other regions, we learned about the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (NAGB) located at Villa Doyle West and West Hill Streets, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas. They posted on Facebook: “In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, the NAGB has partnered with various organizations to support relief efforts. Please share and support this initiative as there is strength in unity.” They are accepting nonperishable items to distribute to those in need, including tarps, water shoes, tents, blowup mattresses, rope, survival kits, etc. It is open Mon-Fri 9-6 and Sat-Sun 10-5.
Learn more on their Facebook page.
Resources for You to Help Victims of Disasters
Art World Changers
There are many individuals who go beyond the occasional acts of kindness. Instead of waiting for disasters to strike, they dedicate themselves as ongoing full-time volunteers to make major positive change in the world. These are what The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS refer to as “World Changers”. You can read about dozens of them on this website.
Through the Barefoot Artists Organization which she founded in 2002, Lily Yeh travels all over the world and tirelessly brings together people who live in such despairing environments and creates a positive experience. She is one of our favorite world changers. Artist Yee, Learn more about her.
To learn about all of the Art World Changers on this website visit this page.
Directory of Art and Healing Organizations and Programs
In our efforts to raise awareness about how art serves as a catalyst for enhancing the well-being of individuals, society and the environment, we provide several hundreds of Resources for you. We have created one of the largest online resources of regional, national and international non-profit art and healing organizations that use art and art programs to help individuals, their communities, and society at large. They work tirelessly to advocate positive change in the world.
Visit this page.
Artists’ Stories
If you are seeking inspiration and ideas about how other artists use their talent and compassion for others to make a difference, we have several dozen articles on this website in our series titled “Artists’ Stories”.
Visit this page.
Artist Shel Waldman, with his wife, Isabella Samovsky, aims “to financially contribute to our surrounding communities and help others less fortunate than ourselves.” They founded “Spirit Within Art” LLC, and created The Warren Park Produce Mobile Program, a nonprofit food pantry in sponsorship with the Chicago Greater Food Depository. They distribute free fruits and vegetables to all those that need it. Read about him here.
Additional Resources ~ A Few More Organizations That Help Those in Need
Art to Change The World (ACW) is a non-profit, diverse coalition of artists, educators, scientists, topic experts, and other change makers who join forces in service of positive social change. Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, they state, “We employ the arts, education, audience engagement, and organizational partnerships to invoke positive discussion, reflection, and action.”
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based, nonprofit organization with a driving passion to feed the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches and disaster response.
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies.
After the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen with the belief that food can be an agent of change. The organization has expanded globally and has developed into a group of chefs creating smart solutions to hunger and poverty.
Visit Our Comprehensive Directory of Art and Healing Organizations and Programs
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