5/27/26

April was not only Arts, Culture and Creativity Month, it was also Arts Advocacy Month. I recently spent time in Sacramento meeting with our local legislators and advocating for greater investment in the arts, emphasizing that creativity is not a luxury—it is essential to education, mental health, economic vitality, tourism, and strong communities. We are grateful that our local legislators are champions of the arts and recognize the value of the creative sector. However, the Governor’s May Budget Revision did not include an increase for arts funding. Remarkably, the California Arts Council’s budget has grown from just $18 million in the 1980s to only $24 million today, despite significant population growth, inflation, and increased demand for arts and cultural services across the state.

I encourage all those who are supportive of the arts to get involved. Arts advocacy is essential to ensuring that the arts remain accessible, valued, and adequately funded at both the state and local levels. At the state level, advocacy is vital to maintaining funding for organizations such as the California Arts Council and programs that support artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and creative businesses. At the local level, advocacy helps build support for arts programs in schools, public art initiatives, cultural events, and community-based services that enrich quality of life and strengthen local economies. When arts advocates share their stories and demonstrate impact, they help ensure that creativity remains a cornerstone of vibrant, inclusive, and thriving communities for generations to come.

Learn more about advocating for the arts at CA Arts Advocates.