What does a Nonprofit Artist do?
Nonprofit artists are professional musicians, dancers, writers, and theater artists who use arts performance and education as tools to spread social justice messages, raise money for important causes, cultivate empathy and understanding in conflict areas, and introduce disenfranchised populations to the transformative power of art in non-traditional settings like hospitals, prisons, rehabilitation centers, community centers, and homeless shelters.
At a Glance
Nonprofit artists come from a wealth of professional backgrounds, including performance, education, cultural preservation, and arts therapy. Some contribute their efforts to an existing nonprofit, while others found their own organization. Advancement involves taking on increased responsibilities or aiming to solidify/expand organization operations via grants and donors.
Can be founders/leaders of their own groups, partner with existing nonprofits, or be hired in part-time/entry-level capacities. Resources include nonprofit-specific job sites like Idealist and applying for grants/funding.
- Live performance
- Arts education
- Grant writing
- Social justice
- Public speaking
- Nonprofit management
- Written and verbal communication
- Leadership
Passionate educators and organizers with excellent public speaking, organization, and communication skills; plus flexibility, humility, dedication, and the ability to be a fantastic team player.
Often requires fulfilling multiple roles and acquiring diverse skills, sometimes with irregular hours or without support overtime pay. Work is done in service of a greater cause, making it deeply gratifying.
