You may have seen the term social sustainability whilst browsing our website- but what does it mean?
You see, sustainability does not just refer to the environment; the environment is just one of three realms of sustainability. These three pillars are: economic, environmental, and social. The balancing of these three realms is vital to achieve and obtain sustainable development.
Social sustainability refers, as you can imagine, to people. It refers to the ability of societies to achieve a homeostatic balance- or in other words, to live together in harmony (Sustainability and Sustainable Development - Circular Ecology, n.d.).
Throughout the past year, coming together as a community has been physically impossible- the only alternative is to connect virtually through social media and video calls. Our social sustainability could have diminished. However, we still found ways to connect. We created virtual exhibitions, held conferences online, hosted social media parties. I think it is fair to say our tech skills have never been so advanced- and neither has our deep need for human interaction.
My hope for the Alone, Together virtual exhibition is to create a space to develop a community safely online. I encourage you to have your say. Leave comments, interact with posts- even create your own. If you agree with somebody- tell them! And if not, politely state your own opinions. Remember, everyone's thoughts, feelings and experiences are valid- we should hear out all voices.
I aim for this space to influence social sustainability, strengthening it, and allowing us to meet new people and make new friends through these shared experiences.
In the future, I hope to host more events on this platform, and I would love to see you all engage with the resources available.
Below is a list of questions to consider. Perhaps, you can use them as conversation starters at home to discuss your experiences with your family. Maybe message your friends and ask them what they think, or even write your responses to them below. I'd love to hear what you all think. I will be sure to respond to all of your comments!
Do you feel your opinion or outlook on the community has changed in the past year? If so, how?
What are your key takeaways from this experience?
If you could travel back to this time last year- what piece of advice would you give yourself?
Do you feel more empathetic to the experiences of others?
Do you believe a creative online community could be beneficial throughout difficult times such as lockdown?
How would you like to engage with sites such as these- what would you like to be available to you?
What type of events would you like to see in the future?
Please find below a list of resources to look at regarding Social Sustainability and communities:
Circular Ecology. n.d. Sustainability and Sustainable Development - Circular Ecology. [online] Available at: <https://circularecology.com/sustainability-and-sustainable-development.html> [Accessed 17 April 2021].
Social Value UK. 2021. Social Value UK - Social Value UK. [online] Available at: <https://socialvalueuk.org/> [Accessed 17 April 2021].
Clarabut, J., 2020. The Importance of Community | Wellbeing People. [online] Wellbeing People. Available at: <https://www.wellbeingpeople.com/2020/07/23/the-importance-of-a-community/> [Accessed 17 April 2021].
Ikedacenter.org. 2021. What Is Community, and Why Is It Important? | The Ikeda Center for Peace, Learning & Dialogue | Cambridge, MA. [online] Available at: <https://www.ikedacenter.org/thinkers-themes/themes/community/what-is-community-responses> [Accessed 17 April 2021].
Dembling, S., 2015. Why Even Introverts Need Community. [online] Psychology Today. Available at: <https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-introverts-corner/201502/why-even-introverts-need-community> [Accessed 17 April 2021].
Shannon Skye Robinson
Saturday 17th April 2021
It sounds like you have used your time during lockdown extremely productively and creatively. I, too, have walked a lot more throughout lockdown as it has made me realise how much we take our local environment for granted- this is one of the main reasons I chose the virtual park location for the exhibition. I'm very glad that this platform has allowed you to connect with other creatives, that is the primary role of the site I have created. We shall use this site to spread important messages and collaborate on future projects- I'd love if you wished to take part! - Shannon, 'Alone, Together'
Walking in nature with different members of friends and family has helped me sustain social links to my community, opportunities such as this platform have linked me and my art to other creatives. I too have finished a BA and started an MA under lockdown. I also look for work and voluntary opportunities and have recently acquired a temporary studio space for 6 months. I am looking forward to working on a larger scale again, like I did in my studios at Uni before self isolation to sheild from the pandemic.