Why community matters in the arts

Why community matters in the arts

I’ve been writing my whole life, and writing more seriously since I was in my early twenties, but for the longest time I didn’t have a writing community. I had friends who were writers, and we’d talk sometimes; that helped, but it wasn’t quite enough. A handful of people to bounce ideas off of and to encourage you is absolutely wonderful, but what I was craving was a wider community, full of people with different experiences, strengths, and goals. People who were similar to me and people who were different. People I could ask for advice and guidance, and who, in return, I could help out as well. I had a sense, even when I was younger, that this was the only way to really force myself to grow as a writer.

While all this was going on, my best friend was struggling to find her place as an independent filmmaker. I already knew she was unthinkably talented and hardworking; I’d seen her in action for years. But filmmaking is a hugely collaborative process, and time and time again, she’d be let down by people who were supposed to be her team. And while we talked about art and storytelling all the time, I knew I couldn’t get into the nitty gritty of the filmmaking process with her; I couldn’t answer technical questions or give advice on a color grade or help out on set. 

Even though both of us lived in a very arts focused town and were friends with all kinds of artists, it felt like we were lacking a true creative community. This story has a happy ending; stick around until the end to find out more about our respective journeys. But first I want to talk about why community matters in the arts, and what makes a strong creative community.

Why community matters in the arts

You may be puzzled as to why I wanted a writing community so badly. I mean, for many, writing is a solitary pursuit. To be honest, that’s exactly why I wanted a community. My work felt isolating; so often I was holed up in my office, talking to myself for hours on end, forgetting to feed myself or drink water. I’d lay awake at night thinking about my work, and I didn’t have many people to commiserate with. It was lonely. Some people will tell you this is the way art is supposed to be; I disagree. Art is, at its core, about connecting with others. If your work isn’t doing that for you, there’s a better way.

Of course, most of us agree that community in general matters. Community helps us connect with others, build a social safety net, and find meaning. Your community refers to the people in your inner circle just as much as it does to the people in your geographic area. Community helps you consider different viewpoints, build empathy, and improves your mental health. These are all things that art can do for you too, but it’s a lot harder if you’re going at it alone.

Let’s go back to the example of my friend the filmmaker. Film is an example of an art form that it’s nearly impossible to do in isolation. I’ve actually written about how to make a short film by yourself, and I think it’s a useful exercise, but so much of what’s magical about film is the collaboration. Sure, more hands make lighter work, but more importantly, beautiful things happen when a bunch of artisans put their heads together to create something. 

Think of your favorite movie for a moment, and try to imagine all the people it took to make it. Everyone, from the director to the cinematographer to the craft services to the PAs to the costume department and everyone in between has to come together to create the final product you see on the screen. Now think about your favorite book; while typically one author wrote it, what you don’t see is the agent, the editor, the marketers, the critique partners, and the booksellers who all came together to make the story great.

Ways to build community

My story has a happy ending. In 2020, when many programs moved online as a result of the pandemic, a friend connected me to a writing program that I was excited to take. Not only did I learn a ton about my craft, but I also connected with a bunch of writers who supported each other online. One thing led to another, and now, five years later, I’m a part of a tight-knit community of writers who cheer each other on, hold each other accountable, and support each other when things get tough.

My filmmaker friend? She found a way to build community for herself. She founded Indie Empire, New 32’s online community of filmmakers. This all in one platform is a place where filmmakers, actors, and screenwriters can network, share their work, take classes to expand their skills, and more. Sometimes community finds you, but more often than not, you have to find it.

Here are some ideas for how you can build an artistic community:

• Seek online community. Research discord severs, Facebook groups, Instagram accounts, join Indie Empire, or even just follow cool people on Threads or Bluesky. Some people have even had luck using apps like Bumble on “friend mode” to make connections. Take an online class or sign up for a workshop. Don’t be shy, try to get to know people, and you may be surprised at the community that finds you!
• Find connections in your local community. Does your community have meet up groups, art classes, or something similar you could benefit from? Check out meetup.com to see if there are any established groups in your area, or you can start your own.
• Rally your friends together. Like I mentioned before, I have friends who are writers, so while I was teaching, I spent a whole summer sitting at my favorite local coffee shop with them and writing. Can you get folks to get together to write (and commiserate) on a regular basis? Even if it’s just a few hours a month, you may find it makes a big difference! You could even use this time to talk shop instead of working, if that’s what makes you feel good.