Arts Help is an award-winning organization demonstrating that art is an essential vehicle for social change around the globe. With our advisory team's aid, a selection of industry experts and renowned individuals, Arts Help cultivates collaborative partnerships and projects with organizations like the United Nations, York University and various Art collectives. New advisors are nominated and selected every year based on their dedication to global change and community impact.
The 2020-2021 Advisory Board includes Adam Grossi, a talented Commercial Litigation lawyer and construction industry professional. Editorial Coordinator Hannah Chew and Adam Grossi discuss his background and commitment to change below.
What is your background/role with Arts Help?
I am a Partner at the law firm Devry Smith Frank LLP located in Toronto, and part of the Arts Help Advisory Board.
How do you see the relationship between art and global activism?
I believe that art, in many ways, is a form of activism. To me, since art, at a very basic level, is an expression, it impacts the world by putting out the message that it is expressing. The relationship between art and global activism is complementary and we need it in our lives to progress and properly express ourselves.
How does art play a role in your daily life?
A different art, music, plays a big role in my life. I am very into music – new and old. I am always listening to music because it just makes everything that much better (thankfully, I don’t have much to complain about!).
What is your favorite piece of art? Why?
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. It just really makes me think about the meaning in our lives and also that people are a lot deeper than we often realize.
What projects are you excited to work on with Arts Help?
All of them, but especially those that relate to setting up galleries in interesting and unconventional places.
Of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which do you relate to most?
It’s very hard to pick just one. However, quality education, no poverty and zero hunger are goals that I think that we really need to try and achieve.
How can we help push forward the UN SDGs in our everyday lives?
The UN SDGs are big goals that essentially relate to systemic problems in humanity. To achieve these goals, we have to change the way we think and act. I think that we owe it to ourselves to make food donations, contributions to education programmes in areas that do not have the support or a straight up lack of education.
Any final advice for young artists and activists?
Just go for it!