Dear readers,
Recently, I delved into Bowling Alone, a notable work by Robert Putnam that explores the decline of community in the United States. Spanning an impressive 581 pages, this insightful book offers a wealth of data regarding our increasingly solitary existence. Originally published in 2000, prior to the internet capturing our attention, it highlights a prevailing truth: society is leaning towards individualism over genuine social connections.
My interest in Bowling Alone was reignited as Christopher and I embark on writing a book about community art, set to be released by Artisan in 2027. Our research focuses not only on artists and their projects but also on the growing fascination with socially-driven artworks. One clear reason for the rise of community art in recent decades appears to be the diminishing presence of the organizations and clubs that Putnam studied. It is well understood that humans thrive on social interactions, and community art serves as a vital avenue for fostering these connections.
Our findings have reinforced a long-held belief of mine regarding creativity and self-expression, especially in a world that often feels divided: art possesses a unique capacity to connect us, regardless of our differences.
This conviction underpins our mission at Colossal. We strive to share stories that celebrate the vast spectrum of human creativity, emphasizing projects that resonate with individual experiences while touching on universal themes. Engaging with artists and readers daily, we recognize that our work serves as both a source of comfort and an essential service in these polarized times.
We also acknowledge that our existence hinges on your support. Currently, only 1% of our readers contribute financially, and while our passion drives us, sustainability in publishing requires additional funding. Colossal depends on the generosity of our members to compensate our writers and maintain our operations.
We invite you to join fellow art enthusiasts in supporting our community, especially during these crucial times. Together, we can affirm that art is indeed better when shared.
With appreciation,
Grace Ebert
Editorial Director, Colossal