VALIDATING OUR WORTH

A Critical Time to Support the Arts

MULTICULTURAL ARTISTRY N PERFORMANCE

Have you ever felt the unique energy of a live play, the quiet contemplation in an art gallery, or the collective joy at a community concert? These moments, so essential to our shared humanity, are made possible by non-profit arts and culture organizations. But in our current environment, these vital institutions are facing unprecedented challenges, and they need our support more than ever.

The arts are not a luxury; they are a critical part of our society. They unify communities, improve our well-being, and are a significant economic driver. However, many arts organizations are struggling to recover from the combined impacts of a global pandemic, economic pressures, and changing audience behaviors.  

The Arts Are at a Crossroads

Right now, arts non-profits are navigating a perfect storm of financial challenges. Many have seen a decline in revenue from all sources—ticket sales, government grants, and individual donations. Faced with these shortfalls, organizations are being forced to make difficult decisions, often leading to cuts in essential programs and, most significantly, a reduction in staff.  

This isn't just a challenge for big-name museums or theaters; it's a crisis for smaller, local organizations that serve as the creative heart of our communities. When these institutions are forced to scale back, it affects everyone—the artists who lose work, the students who lose access to arts education, and the local businesses that rely on the foot traffic arts events generate.

The ability to express the human condition through art is a fundamental right, and non-profit organizations are the champions of this cause. For example, groups like Art from Ashes in Colorado empower at-risk youth by providing a safe space for them to tell their stories and process trauma through spoken word and visual arts. This not only gives them a voice but also provides a healthy alternative to destructive behaviors. Similarly, The Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, supports artists with developmental disabilities, offering them a professional studio environment where they can create and sell their work, demonstrating that creativity knows no bounds. These organizations don't just put on shows; they help people heal, connect, and thrive. When we support them, we support the core of what it means to be human.  

The Shadow of Censorship

Beyond financial woes, a growing fear of censorship looms over the arts world, creating an environment where self-censorship becomes a dangerous survival strategy. Arts organizations are increasingly under pressure from public leaders, private groups, and even government bodies to remove or alter works deemed "controversial."  

Above: Jonathan Feld and Emjoy Gavino perform a reading on Feb. 11 of "Alien of Extraordinary Ability" by playwright Chloé Hung at the Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis. The Playwrights' Center recently rejected a $35,000 NEA grant due to changes in their policy regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.

Photo by Jeannine Marie Photography courtesy Playwrights' Center

This isn't just a threat to a single painting or performance; it's a systemic problem. Arts non-profits, particularly those that rely on public funding, face a difficult choice: compromise their mission to protect their financial lifeline or risk losing essential support. The recent lawsuit filed by the ACLU against the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is a prime example. The suit challenges a new grant requirement that recipients must attest they will not "promote gender ideology," a move that has already caused arts groups to preemptively change their programming to avoid being ineligible for funding.  

This climate of fear stifles innovation and makes it harder for artists to tackle the complex, difficult, and uncomfortable truths that reflect our society. When the arts are limited to a narrow range of "acceptable" forms, we all lose the opportunity to engage with new ideas, challenge our own perspectives, and foster a more open, tolerant society.  

Your Time Is a Lifeline

This is where you come in. Your choice to volunteer is not just a kind gesture; it's a powerful act of support that can make a tangible difference in an organization's ability to survive and thrive. Here’s why your time is so critical right now:

• Filling the Gaps: With reduced staff, organizations are stretched thin. Volunteers can step in to handle a wide range of tasks—from greeting visitors and running the box office to helping with marketing, data entry, and event planning. Every hour you give allows a small team to focus on their core mission: creating and sharing art.

• Building Community: As arts groups seek to reconnect with audiences, volunteers are the best ambassadors. You can help create a welcoming environment that encourages people to return. Your enthusiasm and passion can help rebuild the sense of community that has been so affected by recent years.

• Keeping the Doors Open: By contributing your skills, you help keep overhead costs down. This frees up limited funds for things that matter most—paying artists, maintaining a venue, or offering free programs to the public. You are directly helping to ensure the doors stay open for everyone.

Volunteering for an arts organization is a deeply rewarding experience. You'll meet incredible people, learn new skills, and get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. More importantly, you'll be part of a resilient and essential movement to ensure the arts continue to enrich our lives for generations to come.

Therefore, don't delay. Reach out to a nearby arts organization today and inquire about how you can assist. Together, we can ensure the arts not only endure but thrive.