Art On Purpose: Shining A Light On Healthcare Heroes

Behind the creation of ‘Goodtings’

During the worst periods of the coronavirus, balconies rang with cheers and one-man concerts as people applauded healthcare workers who were running into the fire instead of away from it. Through these moments, we get to know that darkness and light do not come separately. We may have to squint and dig deeper, sometimes, but it’s there. The light still shines, ever-resilient. Sometimes it comes in the form of claps; other times, it comes through art.

Photo by https://www.instagram.com/_goodtings/

Australian artists Alex and Pat lost a huge part of their regular work when the pandemic reached the nation’s shores and sparked a shutdown. Artists experienced disproportionate levels of job instability during this period, having been impacted greatly by the closure of museums and theatres (for more information, check out our previous article: ‘The Curtain Falls on Australia’s Art Scene’

“We felt a little lost, however, we were both very fortunate at the end of the day, because we had a roof over our head, food in our bellies, and we did not have to risk our lives to survive. We ultimately came up with goodtings because we wanted to help those who don’t have it as easy. Not only that, but we wanted to make sure that those who don’t get the recognition they deserve get support and love”.

Goodtings is a not-for-profit group that raises money and awareness for social issues.
Their current focus? Healthcare heroes.  

Photo by https://www.instagram.com/_goodtings/

“We believe that local heroes are often overshadowed by celebrity news and gossip. We wanted to show just how important they are and cast this message in a light that is accessible to all”.

They plan to partner with a different charity organisation for every social issue they focus on. At the moment, the group is partnering with Buy Them A Coffee, which provides food and beverages for healthcare workers. 

“Every time we decide to partner with a charity, a huge focus for us is that we know where the donated funds are going. We like to see immediate use of the money to know that the people in need are getting what they so readily deserve.”

To raise funds, they designed a blue t-shirt with a heart made out of a ‘Thanks Healthcare Heroes’ quote in bubbly font. As artists, they couldn’t help but spruce things up with colour and joy.

Photo by https://www.instagram.com/_goodtings/

“We thought we could juice up something which is often portrayed in a grim and unappealing fashion. Fingers crossed that we are achieving this”.

Alex and Pat’s hearts are still with the artists in Australia throughout this time. They plan on working with only local businesses to create their products, making sure they are giving back to the economy. 

“We’re going to utilise local artists, printers, and designers so everything we create is wholesome and helping those around us. From start to finish, we want to make sure we are helping everyone, not just those we are trying to raise funds for.”

When asked what they find most rewarding throughout their COVID-19 journey, Alex and Pat said the whole process has been an enjoyable journey.

“The whole process of Goodtings has been a pleasure. From start to finish, we have used local businesses and contacts to show our support for healthcare heroes. If we had to choose one, however, it would be the overwhelming support we have received from the small following we have managed to create”.

They are grateful to find their audience has been so adamant about supporting health workers. The project also gives them a space to connect with the people they are trying to support. 

“[The healthcare workers] have been overwhelmingly happy. Most of all they are thankful that they are finally being recognised as such a critical pillar in our society. Our message is that without them, our hearts would stop beating. The fact that everyone is seeing this now is warming their hearts”.

Photo by https://www.instagram.com/_goodtings/

To other artists who may feel vulnerable at this time, the founders of goodtings say:

Keep going. Get creative. Find ways to work with the change.  

The world is coasting through newer waters now, and lifestyles will have to adapt to this change, perhaps permanently. As artists, this includes finding creative ways to still reach people in the middle of isolation.

Even though the project started out as a result of the pandemic, Alex and Pat are hoping to continue with Goodtings. They plan on tackling different social issues every few months. 

Goodtings isn’t here to make a profit, it’s here to make a change.

“We desire to contribute to society and create awareness for overlooked issues in our Australian communities. Every campaign we run will support local. We strive to help Australians stand together because we believe that we are only as strong as our weakest link, so why not lift everyone up?”

They further mention that the general public can assist this process in the smallest ways. 

“A small and simple gesture goes a long way. When seeing healthcare workers out in public, a simple ‘thank you’ is enough. Wearing the tees we’ve made and posting it on your socials will also provide the affirmation they deserve”.

WORDS: JENNIFER CHANCE
PHOTOGRAPHY: GOOD TINGS