March 11, 2026

Add Your Organization to our Coalition Letters

Calling all organizations, associations, corporations, and alliances! Demonstrate your support for arts funding by signing on to coalition letters for two state budget requests: $50 million for the California Arts Council, and $40 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund campaign.

Campaign

Increase the California Arts Council's (CAC) ongoing funding to $50 million.

California has a unique opportunity to lead by example for the entire United States. By significantly investing in and celebrating our vibrant culture, we can demonstrate how a state can truly champion the arts and unlock their full potential for the benefit of all Californians.

Campaign

$40M for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF)

The PAEPF is a smart, targeted investment to strengthen California's small nonprofit performing arts organizations (budgets under $2 million) by helping them meet payroll. This sustains employment for artists and staff, directly supporting working artists, small nonprofits, and their communities.

Registration is OPEN

Arts Advocacy Day and CA Arts & Culture Summit

Join CA Arts Advocates for Arts Advocacy Day on April 21st and join for a FREE energizing rally featuring dynamic speakers and performances. Arts Advocacy Day is the ACCM and is held in conjunction with the CA Arts & Culture Summit on April 19-20.

Legislative & Budget Updates

California Budget Update

Governor Newsom released the proposed 2026-2027 state budget on January 9th. While it contains significant proposals for areas like higher education, housing, homelessness and health care, it includes no meaningful investments or efforts to sustain California's vital arts and culture workforce.

Our 2025 Impact Report is Live

The report highlights key achievements from the past year, including centering our work on the belief that art is health, culture is healing, and creativity is hope; uniting the sector to connect, align, and plan for the future; securing legislation that strengthens a thriving arts and culture ecosystem; and expanding regional advocacy to empower more artists to shape local policy.

Campaign

Increase the California Arts Council's (CAC) ongoing funding to $50 million

California has a unique opportunity to lead by example for the entire United States. By significantly investing in and celebrating our vibrant culture, we can demonstrate how a state can truly champion the arts and unlock their full potential for the benefit of all Californians.

Advocacy Win!

Governor Newsom Signs California Arts Advocates Sponsored Legislation

Thanks to Senator Ashby and the collective efforts of dedicated creative sector advocates and the influential work of a lobbying organization like California Arts Advocates, Senate Bill 456 (Ashby) was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom.