Layers of Cultural Activity for 2021
As we prepare in Canada for another complete lockdown, many of us are wondering how this lockdown will be different than the last one.
Recently, a friend reached out to send blessings and good wishes during the holiday season. At the end of the message, she mentioned how she was not looking forward to the next month or so.
As we turn towards 2021, I am contemplating strategies to layer my cultural activity and movement, so I will be less tempted to consume silly content on Netflix. While I do admit, I continue to be drawn to ‘binge content’ where there is a promise of multiple seasons with certain characters, it works better overall if I can set up some goals and strategies. If I am able visualize these layers of culture experience and activity, it makes me feel as if I am using this time more wisely. With intent, working towards hope and inspiration for myself and others.
Part of my suggestions to my friend involved layering choices of cultural activity involving music, movement, movies as well as the usual year-end family updates that people would normally insert in a snail mail Christmas card.
Music & Movement
I am more motivated to move every day if I have an hour long walk in nature with a Spotify list. I currently have one curated list for the forest walk I try to do before noon. I have also worked on a much longer curated Spotify list that includes multiple genres and several decades for longer walks or activities like a road trip.
When I am working on a task that I am concentrating on, sometimes I prefer renaissance music or listening to an Opera on YouTube. As I write this article, I am listening to Claudio Monteverdi. For tasks like webdesign, social media and writing, sometimes it helps to have a beat with some sort of inspiring melody.
Visual Art Online & Interactive
In November 2020, I virtually ‘went’ to the Museum Computer Network Conference and I witnessed a colleague using a museum’s 3D scanner on an item in their collection. In a recent Symposium held at Museum London, several colleagues in cultural heritage organizations were interested in building digital bridges with audiences through 3D objects in memory ‘boxes’.
For those of you interested in looking for thought provoking and inspiring content online, you could look at this excellent example at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) — Browse Objects from the Collection in 3D.
When I look at these objects are now open sourced, I wonder if those in the gaming or interior design fields know about their availability online and how we can work on projects between industry, museums and communities to create new interactive and immersive experiences.
I liked the fact that the MET at Home asks you to pick your cultural activity based on what you are looking for . The website asks you — Are you looking for the latest? Do you want to learn, or do you want to feel inspired? These options let you pick your cultural experience based on your mood and inclination.
I also found the MET’s Middle Ages — cloister offerings particularly uplifting and inspiring.
If you are looking for an experience that creates a higher quality visual experience with music, take a look at Nina Diamond’s The MET 360 Project. Through six short online videos, you can explore the Museum’s spaces. This project created using spherical 360° technology.
I have now toured an exhibit featuring many of Canada’s indigenous artists through time ticketing and adhering to protocols.
When we had a break in the shelter in place protocols, I was able to attend once with my husband and another time with my daughter. Although the gallery is now closed to the public, this exhibit is now available for free at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection as a virtual art tour.
If you are interested in learning more and registering, please investigate the Early Days Virtual Art Tours with a Guide.
Books and Reading
During the first pandemic shutdown in March 2020, when other family members would seem to get down, we would check in with one another and ask have you been reading too much news? While it is important to receive news updates when the pandemic protocols change, your mental outlook can be impacted by too much scrolling through content. This type of activity can weigh heavy on your heart, reminding you of past generations that have experienced wars and other conditions beyond everyone’s control.
The other cultural activity item that is taking a bit of strategic thought and planning is reading hardcopy books. During the first pandemic when the local public library was closed, it was challenging not to have the ability to read before bedtime.
As we start to think about putting the Christmas decorations away, and I have started to go through our book collection. I was curious to see what we have in the family collection and to see if there is anything that would fit into my night time routine. I am working toward a routine where I read for an hour every evening and then as the next step, listen to music in a darkly lit room with a candle before drifting off to sleep.
I took a look around and found one website that provides free online books that you can stream the audio content.
News reports have mentioned how many of us have been not sleeping well. I would be interested to hear from others if some of these strategies of layering cultural activity and movement would help.
I also have to admit, one of the favourite parts of my day is going on a walk and seeing birds. Walking past frosted bushes and trees helps to reminds me that somethings haven’t changed as much as others.
