Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Covid-19 - You Can't Stop The Beat!, Alongkorn Parivudhiphongs

Journal of Urban Culture Research

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise a myriad of artistic expressions on the in-ternet and social media platforms. What explains this turn to music and the per-forming arts during the crisis? At least four reasons matter. Popular music, in par-ticular, has proved useful in communicating key messages about COVID-19 and how to combat it to a broad audience. Music and other forms of artistic expression can help to create a sense of community and belonging at a time of uncertainty. They are powerful ways in which to express appreciation and gratitude. And they provide levity at a time of anxiety