Soul App, a well-known Chinese social app, has long been involved in championing social causes and encouraging the involvement of youngsters in events that raise awareness of some of the pressing issues plaguior autistic individuals.
A quick glance at Soul’s extensive repertoire of initiatives, and it becomes evident that this platform goes beyond the conventional boundaries of social networking. In fact, the app’s multifaceted endeavors emphasize its dedication to fostering not just support for individuals on the autism spectrum but also inclusivity and understanding for them.
Soul App took its first step into the world of philanthropy a few years ago when it launched a charity event called “Different Socks Day”. Although markedly simple in its design and context, the event managed to send out an unmissable and powerful message about the challenges faced by individuals with mental, intellectual, and physical deformities. The event wasn’t limited to drawing attention to just autism but also enveloped motor disabilities like cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome.
The initiative was about extending kindness and cultivating acceptance and inclusion for individuals suffering from these disorders as well as creating awareness of the challenges faced by their families. The immense success of “Different Socks Day” motivated Soul App to take on other such initiatives and in a bid to do so, Soul forged a partnership with WABC Shanghai Art Way Foundation.
Together, they launched a series of impactful initiatives such as the “Special Doesn’t Mean Lonely” exhibition, the “Soul’s Happy Star Home” event, and the “Stars Meet Songs”. All of these initiatives had one overarching goal – to infuse the warmth of love, societal acceptance, and kindness into the lives of the “children of the stars.” To accomplish this goal, WABC and Soul wove a tapestry of music, colors, art, and fun and invited everybody to enjoy the soulful creation.
On its part, WABC boasts ample experience in hosting public awareness-related events and using art as therapy to help those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. While WABC had the know-how to handle such philanthropic efforts, Soul brought with it the app’s massive user base of Zoomers who wanted to do their bit for society. In essence, the collaboration was a coming together of intention and resources required to make a difference.
And this powerful combination was on full display at the latest autism awareness event hosted by Soul App and WABC called “Painting Away Loneliness Fur-ever. Like the past initiatives of the partnership, this artistic endeavor too was charmingly simplistic yet it managed to project the message of inclusivity and compassion in a big way. The artists were all children of the stars (a term fondly used for autistic children in China) and the paintings were delightful representations of the unique way in which these children perceived the world around them.
Colors were used to bring to light exceptional stories filtered through the artistic prism of autistic children. In fact, so unique and beautiful were these pieces of art that the Soul Team reckoned they needed a more expansive platform than just a physical exhibit. So, the transformative experience was taken online. The masterpieces were turned into merchandise, which was sold online. The tremendous reach of the internet meant that the sales generated funds for the cause and helped to spread the message more extensively.
As far as the exhibition went, the venue of “Painting Away Loneliness Fur-ever” was not just all about charity and awareness. It was decked up with soft toys and more because it was meant to encourage individuals to step out of their shells and connect and communicate with the world and have fun while doing so.
Those who attended the 8-day event (hosted from the 18th to the 25th of December) were treated to some mind-blowing pieces of art. While all the displayed paintings had a unique perspective and transcended the bounds of conventional, some creations were striking.
For instance, a painting that showed a seascape bathed in the glow of the setting sun and another that depicted the night sky in its twinkling glory were utterly beautiful as was a third painting in which the artist imagined the world as a colorful ball that was spreading its energy and warmth all across space.
To ensure that those who could not attend the physical event don’t feel left out, Soul App created a dedicated in-app website page that offered background information about the painters, imagery from their paintings, and brief descriptions of the emotions they represented. The hashtag #MeltLonelinessTogether was used as a virtual bridge to encourage users to share their thoughts and to foster a digital community committed to the cause.
Two notable aspects emerged from this initiative. The first was that the power of art can be leveraged to dispel loneliness, and ridding the world of loneliness was Soul’s ethos from the get-go. The second was that a fusion of physical and digital initiatives is needed to amplify philanthropic endeavors.
The effective combination of physical and digital efforts used for the “Painting Away Loneliness Fur-ever” event also pointed to Soul’s acceptance and understanding of the changing landscape of philanthropy and social connectivity and the impact of Gen Z’s involvement on them.
By seamlessly integrating the online space into its philanthropic efforts, the platform ensured that the reach of its initiatives transcends geographical boundaries. In effect, the platform created a global community united by shared values. The best part is that as Soul’s philanthropic legacy continues to unfold, the app remains committed to upholding warmth, goodwill, and support for vulnerable communities. So, in essence, the success of the “Painting Away Loneliness Fur-ever” exhibition is not just a testament to Soul App’s current impact but a preview of its ongoing commitment to social change.
