Keeping Our Creative Communities Going

The last thing we want is for it to feel like “dooms day,” due to the recent announcement from the National Endowment for the Arts - Seeing places like the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ have their budgets slashed for next season.

This naturally raises questions:
What does this mean for future programming?
What happens to the artists?
What about the staff and behind-the-scenes workers who help make the art possible?

What can we do?

It’s a lot to take in. And for many of us in the arts community, this moment feels uncertain.

If you're wondering how to help but a direct donation isn’t how you are able to show your support:

– Attend local performances—even one ticket helps keep a production alive
– Volunteer with community arts orgs or local theatres
– Buy from artists and small makers—like at Jersey City’s Handmade Market or similar local events
– Stream and share local musicians’ work, especially independent releases

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or directly affected:
Give yourself permission to step back. Unplug. Rest.
You’re not expected to fix everything. Sometimes caring quietly is still an act of resistance.

This isn’t a to-do list to change the world.
It’s a reminder that even small gestures—when made with intention—can keep our creative communities going.