Press Releases
First, we want to thank everyone who took the time to sign the letter to the California Arts Council (CAC) urging them to reconsider proposed changes to field-serving programs. You can read more about the issues we took collective action on and the signed letter at our #FundCAarts webpage.
Arts champions gather in Sacramento to urge CA lawmakers to protect cultural funding, invest in creative workers and build a creative future. Sacramento, CA - On Tuesday, April 18, arts champions from around the state will meet in Capitol park for a rally and press conference for Arts Advocacy Day and to celebrate Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM).
Featured speakers include Speaker of the Assembly Anthony Rendon, Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner Horvath and Mayor Darrel Steinberg who will present a City proclamation, with more to be confirmed. There will also be performances by Alex Yue, 2023 California Poetry Out Loud state champion and a Sacramento resident, Eastern Ways performing a Lion Dance, and drumming by Brian Jackson Jr. and Quincia Lynn. The rally will cover statewide advocacy wins for the arts, such as Prop 28, CA Creative Corps, Cultural Districts, CA Creative Workforce Act, and more.
Arts Champions call on CA to Make a smART investment NOW To ensure the future of CA is Creative April Brings California’s 5th Annual Celebration of Arts, Culture & Creativity Month Sacramento, CA - Californians for the Arts is pleased to announce the fifth annual Arts, Culture, & Creativity Month (ACCM). A statewide celebration to uplift the intrinsic value of arts, culture, and creativity as not only a public good – transforming communities and individuals, but also as a driver of prosperity for the California state economy. As the California budget has changed from unprecedented opportunities for funding to a projected $25 billion and growing deficit, several arts funded programs have been proposed to be cut by Governor Newsom from the state budget including $20 million for cultural districts and $29.5 million for museum grants. “As a vital yet underutilized workforce that has long been undercapitalized, we must continue to share that arts are a part of the solution and a smart investment for CA. Arts are not the place to cut funding. We urge the Legislature to focus on allocations that build local economies, bring social cohesion, cultural equity and impact through creative practices,“ says Julie Baker, CEO of Californians for the Arts.
Californians for the Arts is pleased to announce the launch of CalPayArt, a mission driven nonprofit paymaster service program, specifically designed to support payroll compliance and aggregate lower insurance and unemployment coverage costs for small nonprofit performing arts organizations in California. All qualified applicants will be accepted, and custom solutions will be designed for each participant’s unique circumstances by program administrators at Austin Creative Alliance, who have over a decade of experience providing this service to small arts nonprofits in twenty-eight states. The service is now available for interested parties to sign up and access the benefits of a nonprofit paymaster.
Many businesses were affected by the economic downturn spurred by COVID lockdowns and social-distancing mandates. Especially hard hit were local performing arts organizations including theater, dance and music.
“The nonprofit performing arts sector is facing an existential crisis like never before,” said Julie Baker, CEO of Californians for the Arts. “During COVID, we were the first to close and the last to reopen.”
On June 27, 2023 Governor Gavin Newsom signed the $310 Billion dollar 23-24 budget with Senate Bill 101. While the headlines captured the challenge to balance a $30 billion dollar budget deficit to protect funding for social services and education and negotiations related to infrastructure and clean energy, the arts were largely overlooked in the discussion.
SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Arts Council today announced that it has awarded a one-year, $500,000 contract to an arts organization that will provide payroll and paymaster services at low cost to small nonprofit arts organizations (SNPAOs), which contribute cultural and economic opportunities in communities throughout the state.
Connect regionally on statewide initiatives. Each event features updates on cultural policy, arts advocacy, and funding opportunities, as well as a chance to listen and connect with local artists, creatives, and cultural leaders.
Sacramento, CA– Californians for the Arts, the nonprofit statewide advocacy organization for arts, culture and creativity is excited to launch Winter 2022 Regional Conversations to take place in November and December 2022.
Between 2019 and 2020, California’s Creative industries lost 100,000 jobs. CAA argues that it is imperative the state of California invest in programs to support earn and learn opportunities. “Meanwhile, we look forward to working with the Newsom Administration and California Legislature to ensure California maintains its position as the leading creative state by investing in building an equitable workforce pipeline for thriving wage jobs in the creative industry. Artists, culture bearers and creative workers are at the heart of every community. It is time we elevate our support for their contributions to the health and vitality of the golden state by investing in this innovative workforce,” states Victoria Hamilton, Board President of California Arts Advocates (CAA).
CFTA is proud to present the 2022 Arts Champion Award to Governor Gavin Newsom for increased investments to the arts and cultural field for four consecutive budget cycles, including an historic $600 million in 2021-22. The Arts Champion Award recognizes individuals who valorize the strength of arts, culture, and creativity to connect and unify; innovate and drive community prosperity and well-being. California arts champions believe in creativity as a driver to find solutions to social and economic problems, and further see it as a public value. Read more.