Protect the Heart of the Arts (PTHOTA) is a grassroots movement mobilizing love as a force for disability justice-led systems change.
Launched in October 2023, it has engaged over 100 volunteers across 10+ countries. Through social media campaigns, public events, national and independent media coverage, institutional advocacy and policy impact, the movement has reach reached 7+ million people, and influenced policy affecting 300,000+.Here is a selection of core actions exemplifying our approach: storytelling that sparks collective action, turning love into real-world change.
“COVID-19 is Killing Performers” – A Medium article that laid the foundation for PTHOTA
Written by founder Charles Waltz, the Medium article, published on October 4, 2023, "framed metta (loving-kindness) meditation as a practice for mobilizing systems change through disability justice.“The heart is really a wonder. It is the wellspring of our shiniest emotions, radiating out in the most evocative performances, and in the deep sharing of joy in community. Having a heart is an experience that binds all people together.”Impact: Despite being published when Charles was just beginning his advocacy work, it spread rapidly, resonating deeply with disability communities worldwide. It continues to be re-shared as a call to action, with social media posts sharing the message having generated a cumulative 400,000+ views).Reader comment @aileensabira: “Really love it starting with a Loving Kindness meditation!… What a world this would be if Loving Kindness guided choices!”Link: “COVID-19 is Killing Performers” (Charles A. Waltz, Medium)
BAFTAs Red Carpet Ribbon Giveaway
London, 18 February 2024: PTHOTA distributed Long COVID awareness ribbons to performers at the BAFTAs red carpet to call for solidarity and improved accessibility for performers with Long COVID.
Impact: Performer Joanne Froggatt wore the ribbon during a BBC One Show interview, raising national awareness about Long COVID’s impact on the arts.
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West End Festive Mask Handout
December 13, 2023: PTHOTA held a costumed event in London’s West End to raise awareness of high rates of illness-related cancellations at theatres and calling for improved air quality and flexible sick leave for performers. Costumed volunteers distributing N95 masks and home tests to audiences attending holiday performances.
Impact: Covered by The Mirror, Broadway World, The Canary, and London Evening Standard, where it was the #1 trending story all weekend, drawing public attention to air safety in performance spaces.Link: Health campaigners raise awareness after David Tennant's Macbeth cancellations (Lisa McLoughlin, The Standard)
‘I’m With Nye!’ Campaign – From Theatre Advocacy to Policy Change
March 6, 2024: PTHOTA coordinated a campaign demanding accessibility improvements at the National Theatre in London on March 6, 2024, to coincide with the press night of Michael Sheen's play "Nye" about founder of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan.The action grew into broader policy advocacy.
Impact: This led to the Welsh Senedd issuing the world’s first government-wide call for a coordinated national Long COVID response, affecting 300,000+ people.Link: Wales’ hidden war: the Long Covid crisis demands a national response ( The Care Society Cymru, The Canary)
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