As the world adjusts to the new reality of life under quarantine in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists and musicians have been taking their shows online to bring some comfort during these difficult times. Because large group gatherings have been banned, art galleries and artists/musicians have been faced with multiple obstacles as they cannot host events. However, a number of artists are adapting to these new challenges by organizing online art shows and concerts. Many arts organizations and venues have gone to great lengths in order to offer virtual options for the public. For example, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles launched an online “Between Art and Quarantine” challenge that interested a large span of people from occasional observers to art professionals. Right here in St. Louis, the City Museum launched “City Museum on Air” in March which consisted of virtual tours, art classes, and a behind-the-scenes look of the museum. In addition, numerous online do-it-yourself art exhibitions and viewing rooms have been popping up around the world. Barbara Pollock, a curator of one of these exhibitions in New York, touches on the bright side of online shows, stating that “The beauty of these online exhibitions is that it’s a global exhibition, and it’s accessible to everyone.” People can experience a multitude of different types of art from around the world while sitting in their living room.

In addition to art, music is also adjusting to the new digital reality. Many singers have had to cancel or postpone their tours this year due to the pandemic and are using the opportunity to take part in live-streamed online concerts. Major musical artists such as Chris Martin, John Legend, and Keith Urban are playing virtual concerts over social media platforms including Youtube and Instagram. Several of the artists doing these shows are also teaming up with charities and nonprofits to donate the money received from their concerts. For example, for their shows, both Martin and Legend teamed up with the World Health Organization and the non-profit Global Citizen to encourage social distancing. Artists are accommodating to the new circumstances by allowing people to still connect with them through online concerts and shows.

In difficult times, people turn to the arts for comfort, which is challenging when events are being canceled and venues are closed. However, artists and musicians have taken matters into their own hands and are accommodating to this new experience by taking things online with virtual exhibitions and concerts. This change is happening everywhere, including right here in St. Louis. There are many upcoming events happening here to look forward to, especially for the holidays. For example, the Bach Society is still having its annual Christmas Candlelight Concert this year, although it will be live-streamed virtually. Additionally, on December 12, the Gospel Choir of St. Louis will be hosting a virtual Christmas Concert called ‘Home for the Holidays’ and the St. Louis Art Museum will still be having art exhibits and speakers over Zoom.