Art Heals

Countless stories of selflessness have emerged since Louisiana’s catastrophic August 2016 flood. Among the multitudes lending a hand were regional artists, who played an important role by bringing their energy and talents to shelters, hotels, and other venues housing thousands of displaced people. 

More than 130 visual artists, dancers, theater actors, and musicians—some of whom were flood victims themselves—donated their time in numerous locations across four parishes for several weeks following the flood. These gestures made a big difference to a population feeling shaken and anxious. “Parents were overwhelmed. It was so crowded. Kids were cooped up and there was nothing for them to do,” said Anna Schwab, finance director at the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge.

“All of the musicians who played did it from a cathartic place,” said Hinson. “These were important moments where we connected with the people listening, and they connected with us. It was a small thing done with great love.”

When the scope of the disaster became apparent, Arts Council staff quickly developed a comprehensive response, called Creative Relief, in which they coordinated artists across different media to volunteer in shelters and other locations. Encouraged to “report to work by helping those in need,” staff delivered supplies, held orientations for artist volunteers, and otherwise coordinated resources, all while working closely with local, state, and federal officials to ensure the process took place smoothly.

The Arts Council’s mission, ‘to improve the quality of our community life through the arts,’ is sweeping in a great way; so depending on what’s going on, that can take a lot of forms,” said Schwab, who served as the Arts Council liaison at the Baton Rouge River Center shelter. “There was a clear need in the shelters, and we have a roster of background-checked professional artists who work with school children year-round.”

Artists attended orientation sessions conducted by the Arts Council and then delivered creative sessions in shelters, hotels, and other locations about three times a day over several weeks. As flood victims were later consolidated at the River Center, most Creative Relief projects took place there.

The sessions took many forms. Visual artists led children through arts and crafts projects. A visiting ballerina provided an interactive demonstration and passed around her toe shoes. A movement expert encouraged children and adults to dance and stretch. Adults participated in a jewelry-making class. Family-friendly films were shown at the Celtic Media shelter with help from the Baton Rouge Film Commission. Finished artwork was pinned to the walls of a corner in the River Center, brightening the mood and making young artists feel proud.

Musicians also brought joy and support to flood victims. Local musician and educator David Hinson, as well as musicians from organizations like the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, played three times a day for about a week in the River Center’s adjacent park.

“All of the musicians who played did it from a cathartic place,” said Hinson. “These were important moments where we connected with the people listening, and they connected with us. It was a small thing done with great love.”