Heart of Art—Community Cohesion this Season

By Meghan Joy “Mojo” O’Keefe

Americans for the Arts explains that “the cohesion of a community is what binds residents to each other and to their locality. Community cohesion is vital in creating a common vision for a collective future. When differences arise or cohesion weakens, the arts help bring people together.

“A community is at its best when it feels coherent, collaborative, and safe. Social tensions created by an influx of new people, economics, environment, or any number of factors can disturb citizens’ sense of self and stress the threads that bind them. Arts participation contributes to social cohesion by reducing isolation, encouraging cooperation, and building community networks.

“Involvement in the arts helps build individual identity, as well as group solidarity. Arts participation helps to resolve conflicts and increase tolerance and cross-cultural understanding by bringing together people from different backgrounds and providing opportunities to recognize the contribution of many segments of the community.

“Arts participation crosses barriers of social class and ethnicity and leads to residents learning about each other and other neighborhoods. People involved in the arts meet more people, and participatory arts projects make marginalized groups more visible and promote positive community connections.”

This season, many families gather to share gratitude, tradition, and sacred commerce. As we venture out, let’s take note of the micro and macro moments of art throughout our daily lives and special celebrations. Allow yourself to experience the calming and fun benefits of arts integration in your day, from culinary arts, to fashion arts, to the sounds of the season, to the art of gifting—may we all know the art of connection, because we all deserve wee moments to share with strangers and friends alike. Be artsy this season and enjoy how the arts bring all people together.

We would love to hear from you! Please share your story with us about how the arts have created connections in your life. Please send your thoughts and stories to info@amadorarts.org or call (209) 256-8166.

Amador Arts has been the designated State-Local Partner for Amador County since 1982 and works to advance arts, culture, and creativity for all people by providing resources, opportunities, and professional development. 501c3 #94-2811333.