Something beautiful happened in 2020. Despite how difficult the year was, the arts stepped up and took a leading role to keep us all going during the isolation and confusion. Artists shared work online, held sing-a-longs, made films, invited us to virtual poetry readings. Plays were performed over the web and art packs were distributed to those isolated in their homes. Whole festivals of artistic content were presented online (free of charge) so we could share unique experiences even while physically separated. STA even worked with Indigenous artist Ronnie Jordan to deliver online creative making workshop to hundreds of students.

To give the entire region a chance to say thanks STA have started the #thankanartist campaign to acknowledge how artists made 2020 more bearable and the  special part they play in making all our lives better every day. They are unsung heroes, and we hope you will join STA to sing their praises.

Today why not #thankanartist over your social media accounts. For the works of art that grace your home and garden. For the books they write, the films they make, the house concerts and music they perform. Thank them for the hard work and the gorgeous sound and imagery they share with us both in real life and online.

Thank them by sharing their events, by following them and liking their posts. Thank them by turning up at gigs and visiting galleries. You can even wear your support by buying #thankanartist gear from the STA Give-A-Little-Get-A-Little merch store.

Tag @southerntablandsarts when you post so we can share your gratitude with the world.