I am blown away by the growing community of people on-line who have Type 1 Diabetes. A few weeks ago I decided to organize an Arts Festival designed to continue the conversation about being good stewards of our natural resources, while raising awareness and money to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. I wasn't sure where to begin my research for this festival...Do I begin by finding artists, collaborators, a clear definition of my goals, permission by my Graduate advisor to develop a festival, or somewhere else? I decided I would start with finding artists, but every time I start to search for artists I might be interested in bringing to the festival I find myself quickly drawn to connecting with people who are battling Type 1 Diabetes. I don't know why?!
Even though my wife has Type 1 Diabetes, I know she doesn't represent everyone. She has to deal with it every hour of every day, so she doesn't care too much for talking about it nor reading about it. She is a silent patient who continues her battle through prayer (something I believe is essential for finding a cure). I guess in a way that is why I am drawn to hearing other people's stories. I want to know if developing an Arts Festival to raise awareness and money to find a cure is something that the community of Type 1 Diabetics would support. I don't presume to be doing anything original, in fact, I am actually just trying to follow the lead of Bart Millard and others before him. I guess one question I have for you folks out there that are in the battle everyday, is this... Could you direct me to art events or artists who are actively creating art to raise awareness and money to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. Everywhere I look I see marathons, triathlons, walks, and rides, but not very many arts events. I'm an artist, that's what I do, that's what I'm good at, and so that is how I want to help.
I just had a thought...what if the Arts Festival isn't geared toward continuing the conversation about stewardship, but about Diabetes...! An exhibit of artists work who have Diabetes, a docu-drama/play devised from interviews of people with Diabetes, or panel discussion with people who have Diabetes, endocrinologists, and a representative from JDRF? Could it work...would it be successful...Let's do it!!!
Well, regardless of how this dream ends or grows, I am here to stay and here to support...Let's find a cure!
2 comments:
I know these all don't rate as art, but there's a lot of diabetes related photos at the Diabetes365 project.
This is great! Thank you Bernard! This is why I love art...who you are talking to, the circumstances, and the environment determine what is art :) This also will give me an opportunity to continue interacting with others that have Diabetes. After all, that is the heart and focus of this project, so thanks again!
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