As Seattle and the United States grapple with COVID-19, police brutality, and racial inequity, a teaching artist, a leader from a youth-focused cultural organization, and a representative from a city agency each explain, from their unique perspective, why teaching artists are essential workers. They also explore the local arts/culture, education, and public policies which can and should shift to ensure teaching artists are best supported in performing their necessary work with the community's young people. Ultimately, they conclude that teaching artists are essential partners for students and communities in navigating this health and social crisis.