State funding approved to implement Equitable Payroll Fund (SB1116) to support small nonprofit performing arts organizations
Contact: Eduardo Robles
Manager of Communications
Californians for the Arts
eduardo@californiansforthearts.org
916-520-6049
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 September 2023
State funding approved to implement Equitable Payroll Fund (SB1116) to support small nonprofit performing arts organizations.
California - Advocacy works! California Arts Advocates (CAA) is thrilled to share that funding to implement the Equitable Payroll Fund (SB1116) has been included in the SB104 budget act, signed by Governor Newsom. The Equitable Payroll Fund was introduced in 2022 by Senator Anthony Portantino (D – Burbank) and signed into law by Governor Newsom, but until now remained unfunded. The current challenges facing the performing arts have been well documented, the trend of theater closures and contractions is being seen across the state. The Equitable Payroll Fund is a workforce investment intended to help stem these losses. The Fund will support small nonprofit performing arts organizations by reimbursing a portion of their payroll expenses.
Julie Baker, CEO California Arts Advocates, “CAA is grateful to Senator Portantino for his steadfast leadership for arts workers and for a thriving nonprofit performing arts ecosystem. We also recognize Governor Newsom, and the Legislative leadership teams for ensuring there are funds to implement SB 1116. The timing could not be more critical as we know this sector of the arts is slower to rebound. Due to a confluence of reasons, including systemic undercapitalization of the arts, many in the nonprofit live arts are hanging on by a thread. SB 1116 is an innovative solution to ensure there are well paid jobs and creative incubators for performing arts. However, the funding is much smaller than the problem and we look forward to working with the Legislature and Administration to ensure both swift and equitable implementation of the bill and increased investment overall in the future of the creative workforce, a vital yet vulnerable industry."
The important financial impact of the performing arts on the overall California economy has long been overlooked and undervalued. A recent study by CVL Economics showed the significant economic impact of the performing arts sector in California, “for every 100 Performing Arts jobs in 2021, an additional 156 jobs were supported in other sectors through downstream impacts. This translated to the generation of about $49.1 billion in value added and $3.4 billion in state and local tax revenue. In other terms, each Performing Arts job resulted in $13,287 additional state and local tax revenue.”
“This is a critical time for everyone in the live arts, and I’m thrilled to see that California has met the moment at a perilous time for small theaters statewide,” said Kate Shindle, president of Actors’ Equity Association. “This funding is a win for everyone. It will ensure that actors, stage managers and other creative professionals are properly classified as employees - ensuring protections like workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance - while providing resources to not-for-profit theaters struggling to comply with that additional expense. This temporary relief will offer stability and growth potential, which will help communities of all sizes throughout the state. Live performing arts generate a halo effect that benefits nearby small businesses: restaurants, hotels, and more. I am so thankful we had a champion like Senator Portantino leading the charge for us over the last year. We look forward to building on this work in the months ahead.”
This is an advocacy success story, and a great demonstration of the power of collaborative advocacy. No single factor made this achievement possible, it was the result of a combined effort of individuals and organizations across the state. Investing in funding for SB1116 was one of CAA’s prioritized legislative asks for the 2023-24 budget. The urgent need for this investment in the creative workforce was an important element in messaging during April’s Arts Advocacy Day in Sacramento. In 85 meetings with legislators and their staff arts advocates made the case for the impact of this investment in their communities. These efforts supported the work of Actors’ Equity Association, Theatre Producers of Southern California, Arts for LA, Theatre Bay Area and a coalition of individual artists and arts organizations from across the state.
Beatrice Casagran, Producing Artistic Director Ophelia’s Jump commented, “The specific and personal stories of closures, cutbacks, and layoffs related by theaters and artists in his district galvanized Senator Portantino to make a final push to secure funding for this important program. We can’t over stress the value of building relationships and advocating with local and state representatives in our districts. We may be small, but together we are strong. We’re incredibly grateful for Anthony Portantino’s support of live performing arts in California.”
“The Theatre Producers of Southern California (TPSCA) are thrilled that funding to implement SB1116 The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund has been secured.” Martha Demson, TPSCA Board President, “We believe this represents a critical step toward rebuilding sustainability for California's small nonprofit performing arts organizations, and for expanding job opportunities for thousands of underemployed creative workers in the sector. We want to thank Senator Portantino for championing our cause over the past two years, and for his stalwart efforts in seeking to repurpose unexpended funds from earlier relief grant programs. We also want to express our gratitude to Governor Newsom for keeping these much needed dollars in the performing arts. As we look to advance our work further in the months to come, we want to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of Actors Equity Association in their dedication to our efforts together, the unflagging support of our partners at Californians for the Arts, California Arts Advocates and the passion of the entire SB1116 coalition that never wavered in its purpose or advocacy.”
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About Californians for the Arts
Californians for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the arts throughout California. They are committed to promoting the value of the arts, advocating for equitable access to the arts, and fostering sustainability in the arts sector.
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About California Arts Advocates
California Arts Advocates, a 501c(4) provides direct lobbying to ensure the arts are prioritized in the California budget process and there is legislation to serve and protect the creative industries and arts workers
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