The world we inhabit now is different than the on that we shared two months ago. The impact ofCOVID-19 has brought innumerable challenges to our way of life how we work, how we congregate and how we socialize.

This pandemic is considered the most pressing global challenge since World War II. The COVID-19 crisis is affecting the world's workforce of 3.3 billion. Half of the world's workforce is at risk of losing their livelihoods. In Europe and the Americas, over 40% employment work in at-risk sectors. Almost half (40%) of American adults do not have $400 saved in their bank accounts for emergencies. In the US, almost 26 million people have applied for unemployment insurance from March to the end of April. 1078% of working Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and food banks are under supplied and overstretched. In Amherst, Massachusetts, for example, one food bank distributed 847% more food in March 2020compared to March 2019. Over 950,000 applied for Universal Credit (welfare) in the United Kingdom since the crisis began.12700,000 people lost their jobs in Australia in the first month of the crisis, with unemployment there expected to top 16%. In Germany, 718,000 companies have reduced the hours of their employees through a government furlough program, in March and April.14For most economic sectors, the impact has been negative. With shops shuttered, factories closed and millions of workers forced to work from home, productivity has dropped. But a number of businesses and industries have responded with creativity, ingenuity and innovation. Factories that previously made cars have redirected efforts to making ventilators. Clothing manufacturers are now producing personal protective equipment. Restaurants have launched or expanded their takeout and delivery services. Fitness classes, music lessons and language courses are now taught online out of necessity, rather than as a value add.

A constant in all of this, however, is our collective need for and use of music, arts and culture. In fact, demand is increasing massively despite the creative industries facing heavy financial losses.

For example, the number of Apple Music subscribers continues to grow, now at 60m16 and Disney+ has reached 50 million subscribers since their launch five months ago. Music, arts and culture are vital tools to inspire people, retain community spirit and enhance well-being. From Italians and Spaniards singing on balconies in solidarity, to the growth of online choirs, to virtual symphonies and live streaming concerts and museum exhibitions, the role of music, arts and culture is increasingly important for mental health.

Many of the people who create the music, arts and culture that we consume and rely on are in economic freefall. Over 500 large-scale outdoor music festivals have been cancelled worldwide. Surveys from across the United States and Europe paint a grim picture. In the UK, for example, over $60 million of fees for musicians and bands have been lost so far, according to the Musicians Union. According to Americans for the Arts, the US arts and culture industry has lost $4.5 billion across more than 11,000organizations. A joint report by all German music associations estimates a loss of $5.4 billion ($6bn) for the music sector in the next six months. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 47% of arts and recreation businesses remain trading, compared to before the crisis began. As a result, institutions and governments all over the world are making millions available in relief support for artists, musicians, creatives and cultural nonprofits. Cities such as Detroit and Los Angeles in the US have created their own artist relief programs, in partnership with local foundations and banks. The city of Hamburg in Germany has created a special relief fund for clubs and venues, totaling $1.5m ($1.7m). As relief is pouring into the arts, upwards of $100m globally as of May 2020,it is time to start thinking about what we can learn from this crisis so when the next one occurs the music, arts and creative sectors are better prepared, resourced and structured to withstand the shock.