Gov. Newsom Proposes $10 Million Increase in California Arts Council Initiatives

January 10., 2020 update

Governor Gavin Newsom submits his 2020-21 budget proposal to the Legislature to include a one-time $10 million increased general fund allocation for the California Arts Council, California's state arts agency. According to the Governor's budget proposal, the following provisions are proposed to be expended or encumbered over a three-year period:

•  $9 million shall be provided for the support of existing cultural districts and the addition of cultural districts in underrepresented areas

•  $1 million shall be provided for the development of disaster preparedness guidelines and best practices at the county level 

“We are grateful to Governor Newsom for recognizing the value of California Arts Council’s programs in his budget proposal to include $10 million in one time funding for Cultural Districts and disaster preparedness to protect cultural artifacts. This is his second year of proactive support for the state arts agency. We applaud his investment in the arts.

We look forward to working with the administration and the legislature to also increase permanent and ongoing funds for the arts council so more artists and arts organizations in California are able to deliver vital programs to communities throughout the state.” says Californians for the Arts (CFTA) and California Arts Advocates (CAA) Board President Victoria Hamilton.

The data shows that California is leading the nation in creative economy output but still falls behind in terms of public investment in the arts. Even with the $10 million increase in 2019, California is still investing less than a dollar  – in fact .71 cents per capita per person (without one time funds)  – and ranks 26th in the nation for arts funding. As the creative economy represents 7.1% of California’s GSP ahead of agriculture and transportation, an investment in public funding for the arts makes good business sense.

Increasing public funding is also an equity and access issue. According to a James Irvine Foundation study in 2011, there are over 11,000 arts non-profit organizations in California delivering much needed creative and cultural programs to our state of 40 million people. Most of these organizations operate on small budgets with tight margins but do the work because they know the difference the arts bring to our lives and our communities. However, in grants awarded by June of 2019, the California Arts Council was able to fund only 12% of the organizations in California. With more funding, there will be increased access for all.

Additionally, the Dynamex decision and recent legislation AB5 to codify that decision, will change the way the arts do business and increase staffing costs up to 40% for some organizations who without increased public funding, could reduce or cease vital programs in communities across California and may result in fewer opportunities for employment for artists. According to data from a survey that CFTA conducted recently, close to 60% of respondents believe AB5 will result in fewer programs or force them to close their organization.

Julie Baker, CFTA Executive Director adds "We believe the arts should be accessible for every Californian and arts education should be delivered in every school. We see the impact the arts make on social issues such as providing programs to our Veterans suffering from PTSD, reducing recidivism in our state prisons, as second responders after disasters, nurturing creativity in students for our next generation of leaders, increasing graduation rates and so much more.  It’s important we continue to invest in the infrastructure of our cultural institutions and celebrate, recognize, include and uplift the Indigenous and diverse cultures of California.

A public rich in arts builds empathy and connection. At the core we are all creative – but too often we see this spirit stifled in order to focus on pursuits that are traditionally more lucrative. We want to see artists valued and uplifted and a paradigm shift from starving artist to thriving artist. Creativity is not to be downgraded as a trait but nurtured and supported. Funding and value is at the core of this shift.”

Arts advocates throughout the state will come together in April to celebrate Arts, Culture & Creativity Month and to educate legislators to the impact arts and culture programs make in their communities. Arts Advocacy day in Sacramento is April 15, 2020. 

The Governor's full budget proposal is posted at www.ebudget.ca.gov.