For student artists, social distancing can feel particularly challenging. Many of the performing arts depend upon a communal experience (and a communal space). And even though certain visual arts are easily done alone, it can be stifling to be away from community. So, what can student artists do during these weeks to keep up with their art? Lucky for us, thousands of artists and venues are finding ways to connect virtually and share their work. Whether you are a jazz musician, ballet dancer or acrylic painter, it has never been easier to access your discipline without leaving home. Below are some ideas to keep yourself engaged with your art.

Watch other artists at work. You can now see some of the most talented performers in the country through a streaming platform. The Metropolitan Opera is airing performances from their HD archive, one per day. Stars in the Home showcases Broadway musical theater talent at 2pm and 8pm each day to support the Artist Fund, a nonprofit which offers financial support to anyone in need who works in entertainment. Broadway HD and Marquee TV are each offering free trials of their collections of performances from Broadway and the West End.

Looking for a quick theatrical pick me up? Patrick Stewart is reading one Shakespearean sonnet each day. The New York Times is keeping a very comprehensive list of the theaters, musical performers and museums you can access by streaming and Lou Harry also catalogues streaming theater that is currently available. Over the next few days, check out the free stream of the Hampstead Theatre’s I and You starring Game of Throne’s Maisie Williams.

Listen to artists talk about their process. The 92Y is offering archive

footage of interviews with the creators and actors from Broadway shows and other cultural events. Check out a conversation with Aaron Sorkin and actors from the recent revival of To Kill a Mockingbird on Broadway or tune into the Paley Center for Media which is offering a full-length panel discussion from its archives addressing the making of a popular and influential TV show, one each day.

Take class in dance, playwrighting, music or art history.Who says that art classes have to stop? Sadler’s Wells, a performing arts venue in London, is offering daily free dance workshops in addition to posting archive footage of performances. Dance Spirit has put together a list of virtual dance classes at a number of price points. Interested in writing? Now is the perfect time to explore that play idea. The LA Times profiled a number of playwrights who have offered online classes. You can also find free online classes on everything from web design to art history to songwriting. Look for offerings from conservatories like Berklee College of Music and art institutions like MoMA.

Follow social media of current artists and musicians. Not only are they offering up their art for the greater community (and using social media pages to advertise other streaming events/concerts), but you can also see art reflecting life in real time.

View a collection from a museum or art gallery. Check out the National Portrait Gallery or Banksy murals around the world. Or virtually visit the Musee D’Orsay in Paris or the Uffitzi in Florence. There are over a thousand museums with virtual collections in collaboration with Google Arts and Culture. On Google Arts and Culture you can go beyond museum collections to explore cultural sites, historical architecture or hear audio commentary about particular works of art.

Read about an artist or view an art book on Libby. If you have a library card you have access to your library’s e-book and audiobook collection online. While recent titles might have you waiting several weeks before they are available, niche books are more likely to be ready right away. Look for profiles of artists you admire or collections of photography.

Watch a film about the artistic process. La Danse by Frederick Wiseman (Kanopy) shows a behind the scenes of the Paris Opera Ballet. Every Act of Life by Jeff Kaufman (Amazon) details the life of playwright Terrance McNally. What Happened, Miss Simone by Liz Garbus (Netflix) chronicles the art and activism of Nina Simone. Aspiring filmmakers can essentially take a master class by watching the films that evolved the industry on Kanopy, which is free or the Criterion collection, which offers a 14-day free trial.

Listen to a podcast about the arts. There are hundreds of available podcasts (and thousands of episodes) all about the creative process and business of art. Hear bout everything from architecture to the music industry. ArtWork Archive put together a list of the best podcasts for visual artists and Feedspot compiled a list of the best theater podcasts.

View sample portfolios for conservatory applications and work on your own. Thinking you will apply to a conservatory next year? Boston University College of Fine Arts offers a guide to building your art portfolio. Glasgow School of Art’s website also has sample portfolios in a range of visual arts disciplines.

Set up a virtual play reading or art gallery. Just because you are stuck at home does not mean that you can’t continue collaborate on your art, even if it takes some creative solutions. Get friends together to read a play on Zoom. Get a group together to sketch an object from the 3D collection at Minneapolis Museum of Art and share your artwork online. Come up with your own ways to virtually connect around your art just like the Rotterdam Philharmonic.

Remember that great artists explore and take cues from all different art forms. Music scores give greater emotional weight to film. Dance sequences enhance an actor’s physicality on stage. Great art can inspire set designs. Consider taking this time to also learn more about an art form outside of your usual practice.