Arts organizations, many of which are financially vulnerable even in the best of times, find themselves on life support as coronavirus spreads around the globe. Museums, theaters, concert halls and opera stages of all sizes have closed. Performers and behind-the-scenes employees are being furloughed or laid off.

How can you help? The Times’ arts team has brainstormed 10 ways you can help sustain art and those who produce it. As many fear prolonged damage to the arts infrastructure as the country heads into economic recession, lasting closures have profound consequences and certain organizations even cease to exist.

Art can sustains humanity in its darkest hours. Here are possible ways to add a little light. Email your suggestions to us at calendar @latimes.com.

Purchase a membership: From big art museums to small artist-run organizations, membership is one crucial way to help stabilize operating budgets. Membership also strengthens community.

Take an online dance class: Many unemployed professional dancers have begun offering classes online. Some classes are free, but some include a link to Venmo or Zelle if you’d like to donate.

Request a private dance class: Some dancers are offering private lessons on request. For those who can afford the extra expense, it’s a way to support the community while learning and getting a much-needed distraction.

Donate your theater ticket: Was the show you’ve been looking forward to canceled? Instead of asking for a refund, consider donating the cost to the theater instead.

Become a theater subscriber: Subscriptions, the beating heart of many theater companies, have been on a years-long downturn. Rebuild that base by committing vital funds and counting yourself as part of its community. You can take advantage of subscriber perks when programming is up and running again.

Buy CDs and vinyl rather than streaming music: This ensures that artists get a bigger chunk of the proceeds than they would through a streaming service. You can order CDs and vinyl from sites such as SoundCloud and Bandcamp, not just giants like Amazon and Apple. You also can buy music directly from the labels and, better still, the artists’ websites. The sound might be better, and you may encounter less spotty streaming caused by internet-use overload. Owning recordings is a good way to become more involved in how you listen to music, which can deepen your experience. And we need deep experience right now.

Mail-order from independent book and record stores: Some may still have knowledgeable clerks with whom you can consult over the phone.

Lobby for government support of the arts: In Britain, musicians and other independent artists are being guaranteed as much as 80% of their income for three months. Make it clear to local, state and federal officials that if they want your support, they must support the arts.

Buy existing art: Galleries with a range of prices, from under $100 to deep into six figures, have set up virtual viewing. Most artists don’t have gallery representation, so go to them directly. You’ll find many individuals — say, a nature photographer selling prints — are taking internet orders.

Commission art: Is there an artist out there whose work you really love? If you are able, commission a piece of work for yourself or a loved one to gaze at while in quarantine, or better yet to give as a celebratory gift for when COVID-19 is finally behind us.