World · North America · 1 hr ago
Arts and culture should be part of disaster recovery, advocates say
Hurricane Helene swept away artist Sheila Olsen’s painting while it was displayed in a gallery in Florida.
Olsen recovered the damaged canvas and restored it, leaving some of the damage visible.
The painting reflects a wider point: arts and culture can support recovery after disasters by helping people express grief, reconnect and regain a sense of belonging.
The article argues that artists and cultural groups should be included in recovery planning from the start, alongside work to meet basic needs such as housing, food and health care.
In Asheville, North Carolina, the storm devastated the River Arts District, home to more than 700 artists.
Floodwater damaged an estimated 80% of buildings there and swept away artists’ work and supplies.
Local leaders and donors offered grants and temporary studio space to help artists rebuild.
The account says cultural recovery helps restore a community’s identity and relationships, as well as its physical spaces.
Advocates say arts and culture should be included from the outset in disaster recovery planning.
The article argues that cultural life helps communities restore identity, relationships and a sense of belonging after disasters.
Artist Sheila Olsen restored a hurricane-damaged painting while preserving some of its damage.
Asheville’s River Arts District, home to more than 700 artists, suffered extensive flood damage.
Local philanthropists, business leaders and government officials offered grants and temporary studio space to help Asheville artists rebuild.
- Who
- Arts and culture advocates, including the article’s author, are calling for cultural organisations and artists to be included in recovery planning.
- What
- The article argues that arts and culture are an essential part of disaster recovery, not an afterthought.
- When
- During the hurricane season discussed in the article; specific dates for the storms are not stated.
- Where
- The article focuses on Florida and Asheville, North Carolina, including Asheville’s River Arts District.
- Why
- Arts and culture help sustain community identity, relationships and healing after disasters.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Sheila Olsen painted Storm, an abstract seascape reflecting the destruction of Hurricane Ian.
Floodwaters swept Storm away from a local gallery.
Olsen found and restored the damaged canvas, preserving some of the damage.
Philanthropists, business leaders and Asheville’s local government offered grants and temporary studio space to help artists rebuild.
- Artist
- Sheila Olsen
- Painting
- Storm, an abstract seascape reflecting Hurricane Ian’s destruction
- Flood-damaged district
- Asheville’s River Arts District, North Carolina
- Artists in district
- More than 700
- Buildings damaged
- An estimated 80% of River Arts District buildings
- Recovery support
- Grants and temporary studio space for Asheville artists
What people are saying
Arts and culture are where many of those ties live: in the artists, traditions and gathering spaces that make a community unique.
Philanthropic, business and government leaders must include artists and cultural organisations in recovery planning from the outset.
Sources
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