Teamwork: a combined action performed by a group  of people. Even during a pandemic, art cannot occur without collaboration. From performing in a middle school concert, to creating a popular TV show, artists across the world must collaborate before anyone can become successful.

Leadership: the action of leading a group of people or an organization.  Not only is leadership a  highly valued skill in any profession, but students who take art will often times get a chance to be a leader. Leadership looks different for everyone; sometimes this means being the lead in a play, or the squad leader of the marching band, but it is leadership nonetheless.  

Problem solving: the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues. Yet another important skill every adult needs to have. Students in the arts are often faced with difficult problems, often times in the form of recovering from mistakes.

Being one of the first programs traditionally cut from a school’s budget, the arts do not have the easiest time lobbying for themselves. However, with the onset of the pandemic, things have taken a turn for the worse for young artists and educators. Musical ensembles have been condemned to being “super spreaders” for the covid-19 pandemic. While the ever so popular theater saying is “the show must go on”, this is not the case anymore. The restrictions that come with the current pandemic simply leave arts out of the picture, as it is not feasible. While some schools are making the best out of the current situation, difficulties ensue. 

Interview questions to be addressed:

• How had funding changed?

• Has you program taken any major hits?

• If so, how are you working to combat the new found difficulties

• What has had to change about your program as a direct result of the pandemic

• And more!

  While the arts struggle within the public school systems, nonprofits work to ensure every child has access to the arts, regardless of financial status. 

  MusicLink Foundation is a national foundation with an overarching goal of providing music lessons to all students, especially those in financial need. In their mission statement, MusicLink claims to match students with professional music teachers while reducing fees in order to make it more accessible. 
  
  Similarly, Joyful Noise is a more local music school, located near the west side of Cleveland. Joyful Noise’s mission is to provide students with free private music lessons and a free loan of instruments.