Scottish artist produces video to lift spirits during outbreak

Scottish artist Vince Virr, an associate artist with Barrowland Ballet in the United Kingdom, knows the importance of exercise and optimism during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia. He produced a video clip called Wuhan Jiayou (Stay Strong, Wuhan), calling for artists and netizens worldwide to join his efforts.

It's a workout exercise that people can follow when at home, said Virr, also artist in residence with A.S.K., a Shanghai-based international theater organization committed to introducing international productions to young audiences in China.

Virr and his counterparts from A.S.K. have put together several videos and uploaded them online.

Virr and four other international artists from A.S.K., who are now living in China, are also making a video clip, with self-produced music, about washing hands and ensuring personal hygiene.

"The homefront is a vital component in keeping people's spirits high amid the outbreak, and support can come in many forms. But keeping fit and upbeat while confined to your home is crucial," they said.

Those appearing in the videos include nurses, drivers, office workers, coaches and dancers and their children from Tianjin, Shanghai and Foshan and Shenzhen in Guangdong province … and the numbers are increasing.

Joining them also include hotel chefs, bus drivers, bank officers, and even express deliverymen.

The gesture from a Shenzhen-based nurse is particularly memorable.