Help us Advocate for State Budget Priorities for the Arts with 50 in 50!
Today, the California Arts Council receives nearly $90 million annually in eligible grant requests while having less than $21 million available for local assistance grants — leaving many community-based organizations, especially those serving historically underinvested communities, without the support needed to sustain programming, preserve cultural heritage, and employ artists and cultural workers The scale of need across California’s creative and cultural sector continues to far outpace available resources.
California Arts Council’s 50th anniversary this year offers a landmark moment to renew California’s leadership; 50 in 50! Implementation of the California creative economy strategic plan required adequate CAC resources. With your help we can get the funding we need to ensure that California arts will thrive and we continue serve our communities. The arts make a difference in so many lives, and you can make one too by advocating with us!
To help amplify our call for $50 million for the California Arts Council in the May Revise, we’re also inviting arts supporters across the state to lend their voice through short video testimonials.
These videos will highlight the real, statewide impact of arts funding — directly from the communities and leaders it serves.
How to Participate
Create a 30-second video sharing your perspective.
Format Requirements
Vertical video (1080 x 1920 px, 9:16 aspect ratio) — for Instagram Reels, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (X)
30 seconds or less
Good lighting and clear audio
Prompts
Name / Title / Organization
How have you or your organization benefited from arts funding?
Why is arts funding critical?
What impact have local arts programs had on your community?
What would you say directly to the Governor or Legislature?
Key Message
Governor Newsom — invest $50 million in the California Arts Council and include it in the May Revise.
Make it CREATIVE & PERSONAL!
Share on Socials
Tag: @caforthearts @caartsadvocates @gavinnewsom @cagovernor @asmjessegabriel @senjohnlaird @sqsforassembly @senmelissahurtado @caspeakerrivas @moniquelimonca
Hashtags: #InvestCAArts #SmARTinvestment #50in50
ACTION ALERT
Click this link to sign up for our toolkit for amplifying community voices voices to personalize a statewide message advocating for $50 million for the California Arts Council and $40 million for PAEPF, ensuring sustained investment in arts and culture.
