"Artists make California vibrant, innovative and culturally rich, yet our state ranks 35th nationally in per capita arts funding. When the state budget allocates just 53 cents per person to the arts, it's clear how little we're investing in the creative workers who shape the state's identity and economy. California's artists are delivering extraordinary value with minimal investment. Imagine what a stronger commitment to the arts could do for our communities, our economy and our future."
"In November, the Coalition of County Arts Agencies (which includes SV Creates, representing Santa Clara County) and California Arts Advocates (a statewide advocacy organization on whose board I serve) submitted a joint budget letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom. This letter requested an increase in the California Arts Council budget - the state's arts agency, which gives grants to arts groups - from the current $21 million to $50 million, coinciding with the arts council's 50th anniversary."
"Unfortunately, the governor's budget proposal, released Jan. 9, did not incorporate this funding increase. While it contains significant proposals for areas like higher education, housing, homelessness and health care, it includes no meaningful new investments to sustain California's vital arts and culture workforce. However, this marks only the beginning of the annual state budget process. California Arts Advocates' immediate next step is to advocate to the Legislature, urging them to recognize the value of this investment and prioritize the requested increase for the 2026-27 budget."
California artists contribute cultural and economic value despite limited public investment. The state ranks 35th in per capita arts funding, allocating just 53 cents per person. A coalition including county arts agencies and California Arts Advocates requested raising the California Arts Council budget from $21 million to $50 million for its 50th anniversary. The governor's January budget proposal did not include this increase, prioritizing areas like higher education, housing, homelessness and health care instead. Advocacy to the Legislature and a public will-building campaign by CA For The Arts are planned to secure funding that could support dozens of cultural organizations in Santa Clara County.
Read at San Jose Spotlight
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