[KC]: The Rise of Livestreams

Hi kids!

In this time of quarantine, I've been thinking a lot about the role of ART in our daily lives. Obviously, being an English teacher I'm talking about literature, but I'm also talking about music and film and painting and dance and comics, etc. There are so many forms of art out there, and if you're anything like me, those are some of the things we're turning to for peace and comfort in these uncertain times. One thing that has caught my attention in the past few weeks has been the sheer number of livestreams going on. It seems like each time I open my Instagram app, the little red circles catch my eye: I see four or five lives going at a time. For artists, this has always been a way to connect with fans, to give announcements and updates, and to market themselves in a more personal way. Yet, the livestreams I've seen lately have been different. It seems there's a different perspective, a different soul with them. What do you all think? Are we seeing more livestreams because it's a way for artists to stay relevant during a time where they can't sell out concerts or set up art showcases or go on book tours or have their films be seen in theaters across the world? Or are we seeing more livestreams because ART is something we need to survive, in the way we need air and water and human connection? Are we seeing artists show their talents for free because that connection is just as necessary for them as it is for us? What do you think?

I just got done watching a two-hour livestream of one of my favorite artists (Kina Grannis) singing songs from the floor of her living room and it filled me with so much hope in these weird times. What livestreams and other pieces of art have brought you hope during this time? Comment to let us know. Let's fill this thread with thoughts on art and recommendations :]

Stay hopeful, kids!
- Ms. Colln