Earlier this week, during one of my e-learning classes, I was prompted to reflect upon what I miss the most about how life used to be before this whole COVID-19 quarantine. I panicked under the pressure of limited time and responded with what first came to my brain that was something along the lines of “I miss only being afraid of catching the common cold.” This is not a false answer; as a performer, whenever I come down with a cold that prevents me from singing the way I know I can, I feel gloomy and disheartened until I fully recover. However, now that I have had extensive time to analyze the hidden meaning behind my initial response, I’ve come to realize there is a more significant aspect of life that I miss dearly.

I have been grappling with my bittersweet feelings towards this alternative reality of “social distancing” and obsessive hand washing. Ever since Governor Pritzker placed Chicago under lockdown, I have been playing my role in the crisis by staying inside to protect my family members’ health and my own. On the other hand, it hurts to see how this pandemic has left my friends and me unable to take our final bows for the musical, enjoy our last season of Parker sports, or confidently say that we will have graduation.

In moments of crisis, my coping strategy is to turn to the arts. While streaming platforms have given me access to millions of films and television series just a click away, I crave the in-person interactions with art, music, and specifically theater. Not only has this quarantine interfered with the cultural activities I participate in at school, but it has also prevented me from attending shows and new exhibitions around the city. Though visual and performing art, in my opinion, is best experienced face-to-face, I felt inspired to discover new enriching activities in light of the global pandemic that is occuring. Especially with technology being at our access, there are plenty of ways for us to continue our engagement with art from the comfort of our own homes.

I have compiled a list of some of my favorite cultural activities to do during this quarantine. I hope that these recommendations will spark some inspiration for your own creative endeavors!

Instagram Live Concerts

Many of my favorite musicians have been performing virtual concerts through the livestream feature on Instagram. These concerts are typically announced anywhere from a couple hours or a day beforehand through a post on the artist’s personal account. What I love the most about the at-home concerts is that they allow me to support my favorite musicians in a way that does not put my health or theirs in danger. Recently, I’ve tuned into Shawn Mendes, Camilla Cabello, Rex Orange County, and John Legend’s live streams. I am confident that other artists will follow the trend soon enough.

Virtual Museum Tours

To my surprise, virtual museum tours have been in existence long before this quarantine. In spite of being unable to view art in person, virtual tours allow us to interact with art in its sanctuaries. Museums all around the world such as the Guggenheim in New York City, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris have uploaded tours to the Google Arts & Culture website (https://artsandculture.google.com/). These virtual museum tours have not only exposed me to art that resides in far places, but they have also made me more appreciative of the times in which I have been able to see these works in person through travel.

Stream a Musical (with Your Friends) on Netflix Party!

The Netflix Party Chrome extension has become one of the biggest crazes of the internet. Netflix conveniently launched this aspect of the streaming platform to encourage the practice of staying home and social distancing. I admire the way in which it permits friends to connect and act as if they are watching a movie or show together. There is nothing that quite replaces the feeling of making side comments to someone in person, however, this Netflix Party concept comes very close!

Luckily, Netflix has a large array of recorded Broadway productions and movie musicals on its website. Some of my recommendations include Hairspray and Shrek: The Musical. For now, Netflix Party is a healthy alternative to going to see musicals or movies in person.

Google Earth Exploring

Something that has been occupying my time lately is exploring on Google Earth. Since around 2013, looking up specific addresses and using the walk feature to roam around the street was one of my favorite activities. Since the last time I have checked in on this website, Google Earth has greatly improved their graphics. This website also allows you to virtually “stand” in any place on the earth and walk around. I know that many of us are aching for a change in scenery, so if you’re willing to use your imagination, Google Earth could be used as a sort of digital-age tourism.

Think about it: in what circumstances can you explore downtown New York from a bird’s eye perspective? Or stroll down Calle de Las Ramblas in Barcelona without being overwhelmed by masses of people. Google Earth provides us with the resources to sightsee around the world and feel free, even in a time of restriction.

Fashion Design Contests

Specifically on my Instagram feed, I have noticed an overwhelming number of small clothing brands launching their own fashion design contests. Given that many of us are stuck at home for the time being, brands like Suspicious Antwerp are encouraging artists to create their own sweatshirt designs. The winner, according to their Instagram page, will be selected and have their design featured in a new collection. Participating in an art contest is a fabulous way to work your creative side. Who knows, maybe your design could be chosen as the lucky winner!