The cultural world began to sputter back to life this year, and in turn, so did many of us — slipping out of our sweat and into movie theaters, clubs, and Broadway shows. Even for those who were less confident rubbing (or bumping) elbows in public, artists brought us plenty of joy in the safety of our home. It may not have been the before times, but in 2021, these artists and creators from across the arts gave us a fresh outlook.

The cultural world began to sputter back to life this year, and in turn, so did many of us — slipping out of our sweat and into movie theaters, clubs, and Broadway shows.

Even for those who were less confident rubbing (or bumping) elbows in public, artists brought us plenty of joy in the safety of our home. It may not have been the before times, but in 2021, these artists and creators from across the arts gave us a fresh outlook.