Arts nonprofits and philanthropy share a close relationship, providing a platform for people to challenge the injustices and inequalities of the world. During the global pandemic of COVID-19 as well as political insecurity and racial tensions flaring across the United States, arts nonprofits play an essential part in creating systemic change during a fragile time. There are several forms of art found in nonprofits. Among the most common are visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.) and performance arts (theater, dance, music,etc.). 

However, the current conditions of the world have not been friendly to arts nonprofits. One of the biggest challenges has been a lack of income. Pandemic regulations have been particularly challenging on nonprofits in the performance arts. To elaborate, how can a nonprofit who relies on live performances for revenue continue to make money if people cannot gather in large groups to attend a performance? How can school programs continue to provide musical opportunities to underprivileged kids if they are stuck at home?

 However, in some cases, arts have been used as a tool to stay hopeful during these dreary times. For example, some small businesses have turned to the selling of homemade masks. Signs are used as a piece of visual art to provide positivity and hope to front line workers and community members who are tasked with adjusting to the new life created by Covid-19. Signs and murals have also played a substantial roll in the rising racial tensions over the killings of George Floyd and Brianna Taylor, giving community members an outlet to express their frustration. Music therapy provides a release to those suffering from mental health problems heightened by the unavoidable loneliness in quarantine. Through art, people build community, fight for equality, kinder kindness and get through rough times together.