This chapter explores the transformative role of arts education during the COVID-19 pandemic, focussing on how a collective of individuals adapted to the crisis by reimagining arts education for children and families. It details the establishment of the Shifting and Stirring (S&S) virtual community of practice, a national collective formed to address the challenges posed by the pandemic through innovative approaches in arts education and programming. S&S leveraged digital platforms like Zoom to bridge institutional and hierarchical divides, fostering collaboration among artists, educators, and audiences. This collective not only adapted to online learning but also utilised the pandemic as an opportunity to critically reflect on and experiment with arts education practices and methodologies. The chapter highlights how S&S countered traditional managerial and bureaucratic approaches, prioritising experimental creative practices and fostering a sense of kinship and emotional support during a period of global crisis. It concludes by emphasising the potential of S&S's experiences to inform future arts education policies in Australia, contributing to national cultural policy development and further research in the field.