Chennai: The recent Covid-19 pandemic has suspended and changed our economy in ways that are unpredictable and continuing to evolve.
In response to a world in the grips of a pandemic, artistes are doing what they have always done – remind us that we are in this together, help us stay connected and finally, become the memory and conscience keeper during difficult times.
Utilising art as a face, artists across Tamilnadu crowdfunded on Milaap to support various causes. A look at the number of fundraisers supported by the artists and the response to it, in fact tells us that these are not so dark times, after all.
Anil Srinivasan, famous pianist, has unlocked philanthropy among people in creative and unconventional ways for many years now. It is only quite natural that he came forward at the need of the hour to support the worst affected communities through his art. He curated the #playitforward campaign featuring 11 days of online performances as a star-studded effort to raise funds for the migrant labourers. The response was phenomenal both from the artistes
who volunteered readily and the donors from across the globe, raising Rs 10 lakh in just 13 days.
Gayathri Suryanarayanan, founder of Samarpana, Chennai based NGO for arts and wellbeing explains how through funds collected on Milaap they were able to reach out to local artistes.
She said, “With the lockdown in place, a couple of our dancer peers suggested crowdfunding. It was actually quite overwhelming to see so many people coming forward and donating. After identifying 50 people who have health issues with limited access to medicines, funds between Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,500 have been transferred. This is said to have been of a great help to many.”
Helping hands
Many other organisations are also supporting people hit by Covid-19. Taking a step towards helping the migrant workers, Platinum Guild India has joined hands with Oxfam India, launching the ‘Platinum Season of Hope’ initiative. This will impact 4500 families, approximately 22,500 individuals over a period of three months. The relief package includes three key components daily meals/food essentials, sanitary kits as well as a direct transfer component for essential non-food supplies.
Also, DesignOne Online, a not-for-profit designer shopping platform by The Sahachari Foundation, will present ‘Diwali Edit’ from 20 October to 6 November. All the proceeds from the sale will go towards NGOs supported by the Sahachari Foundation as well as towards Covid -19 relief efforts.