© Poussard Andre Karine via Facebook ‘Bin isolation outing’

People around are dressing up to take out the trash

With more going stir-crazy due to COVID-19 social distancing and isolation, social media is able to make this time a bit more enjoyable. Being stuck inside has tempted people to do their daily household tasks in their best outfits. Equally fun to participate and to browse, people around the world are getting dressed in costumes to take out the trash. A Facebook group called “Bin Isolation Outing” includes hilariously fun pictures of people around their world in Halloween costumes with their trash bins.

Funding for the arts and artists

The total impact of COVID-19 on the Arts and Culture sector is an estimated 4.5 million hit. Artists and affiliated institutions are seeking help as the worldwide economy struggles to cope with the effects of this pandemic. On March 27th, Trump signed a relief bill for 300 million for cultural institutions that would hopefully trickle down to artists. CEO of Americans for the Arts, Robert L. Lynch doesn't think that the 300 million will be nearly enough to help the thousands of small art institutions that are struggling with the delays and closures. Many institutions are asking for donors, though many donors are reluctant with the time span of the pandemic being unclear. In spite of the attempts to help institutions, it’s the artists themselves that are ultimately affected financially. Unemployment is hopefully expanding and Wordpress, always being generous to creatives, has great resources for freelance artists.

In addition, The Artist Relief fund is helping with $5,000 grants to support artists that qualify.

Many people around the world were unable to celebrate Easter traditionally due to the closure of churches globally. In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, a spectacular Easter service took place. Perhaps Rio De Janeiro’s most famed landmark, the Christ the Redeemer statue, standing in total 125 feet, is on a 2,310 foot summit to be seen anywhere in the city. The city’s archbishop, Orani Tempesta, performed a service at the base of the statue while an homage was paid to the medical workers. Christ the Redeemer was transformed into a doctor, honoring the hardwork and courage of the frontline workers of this pandemic. This is not the first time that Rio has made a statement during the COVID-19 pandemic- last Month, the monument was lit up with flags and words of sympathy for the countries affected by the outbreak.