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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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