The Heart of the Arts: Why Relationships Matter

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s this: the arts are built on relationships. Sure, talent matters, hard work is essential, and luck plays its role—but at the end of the day, it’s the connections we make that truly shape our artistic journeys.

Whether you’re a musician, a composer, a teacher, or an arts administrator, the people you surround yourself with can open doors, spark inspiration, and create a support system that makes this unpredictable industry a little easier to navigate.

You Can’t Do This Alone (And You Shouldn’t Try To)

The arts may feel like a solo journey at times, but no one truly thrives in isolation. Behind every successful performance, every creative project, and every big break is a network of people who helped make it happen.

Think about it—how many of your biggest opportunities came from a conversation, a recommendation, or a friend pulling you into a project? Some of the most meaningful moments in my career didn’t happen because I followed a perfect roadmap (spoiler: there isn’t one). They happened because I met the right people at the right time, and more importantly, because we supported each other along the way.

Community Over Competition

It’s easy to fall into the mindset that there’s only so much success to go around, but that kind of thinking does more harm than good. The truth is, the arts thrive when we support each other.

Going to a friend’s performance, recommending a colleague for a gig, or just showing up for someone when they need encouragement—these things matter. Not only do they strengthen our artistic community, but they also remind us that we’re in this together. Competition will always be a part of the arts, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of collaboration.

The Ripple Effect of Support

One of the most beautiful things about the arts is how generosity has a way of coming back around. When we lift each other up, we create a culture where success isn’t just about individual achievement but about building something bigger than ourselves.

Artists and arts organizations are facing more challenges than ever—funding hurdles, shifting audiences, and the constant battle to prove why the arts matter. The more we support each other, the stronger we stand. When one of us succeeds, it opens doors for others. When we build together, we create a lasting impact.

Let’s Show Up for Each Other

So here’s my challenge to you (and to myself): let’s invest in our relationships. Let’s be intentional about supporting the artists around us, making space for new voices, and recognizing that our success is intertwined with the success of our community.

Because at the end of the day, the arts aren’t just about what we create. They’re about the people we create with.

Let’s keep building together.