We R Culture is one such campaign initiated by the UNESCO Cities of Music to spread video messages calling for people to act responsibly and help flatten the curve by staying at home.
World renowned Jazz musician Archie Sheep from the United States was one of the first artists to take part in the campaign and combines his touching and hopeful message with a short music performance. Other artists and creatives from Nottingham include Ferzana Shan, Gail Webb, Kevin Jackson, Martin Grey and Leanne Moden.
Other video messages have come from UNESCO Creative Cities in Portugal, Greece, Spain, Germany, USA, Norway, Czech Republic, Italy and Chile so far.
With this campaign, we highlight the important role of artists and creatives and contribute to overcoming of the crisis – in solidarity and in strength, in a creative world of different cultures but with the same values.
Whilst UNESCO Creative Cities are at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have already begun to undertake impact assessments to address not only the short-term impact but also to devise strategies in the longer term. The regular virtual online zoom meetings of the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network is a testament to the need for international solidarity at this time. Our virtual meetings have shown great commitment to forging our collective resilience and to promoting a sense of community and connection at this time.