Act > Take Action
Stand up for the arts in ways big and small
1 Minute Action
The time to Advocate for the Arts is NOW and you can do it from home!
Lawmakers often tell us that our issues aren’t priorities because they “don’t hear from the arts.” October and November offer a prime opportunity to connect with your state legislator in their local district.
1 Minute Action
Email Your Congressperson - Every Vote Counts!
The federal government shutdown on October 1st, 2025. Even in light of a government shutdown, Congress can still consider legislation on the House floor, including the Interior Appropriations bill which funds the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Weakening amendments could be introduced that would slash support for the NEA and the NEH.
1 Minute Action
Email Congress and Tell Them to Protect the NEA
Earlier this year, President Trump directed the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to cancel or rescind a massive number of grants which were originally put on hold after the inauguration. On the same day, President Trump requested the elimination of the NEA budget for Fiscal Year (FY26).
We Did It!
2025-26 Budget Thank You Campaign
Let’s show our strength by posting 500 messages to California lawmakers, thanking them for restoring funding to the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund and passing the California Film and Television Jobs Act. Join CA Arts Advocates’ Thank You Campaign. Download our user-friendly toolkit, which includes social media graphics, captions, and prompts to help you reach out to your lawmakers.
Previous Campaigns
June 20, 2024
Oppose funding cut for the Cultural Affairs Manager Position
Urge the council to amend the FY 2025-27 budget to reinstate funding for the Cultural Affairs Manager and advance the hiring process.
May 19, 2025
Save the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund
On May 14, the Governor issued the “May revise” to the CA 25-26 budget. This revision included reverting $11.5 million allocated to the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) back to the General Fund and cancelling the program.
May 8, 2025
SB 456: Save California Murals
SB 456 aims to modernize state regulations by removing the requirement for muralists to hold painting contractor licenses — a costly and unnecessary barrier.
February 26, 2025
Restore $5M to the California Arts Council
Send a message to the Governor and your legislators about the importance of public funding for the arts and to urge them to support restoring the $5 million to the CAC.
January 22, 2025
Welcome Your Lawmakers
Take 2 minutes now to send your representatives an email congratulating them and letting them know how important the arts are to their districts.
June 14, 2024
Support City of Berkeley Arts and Cultural Funding
Send a letter urging City Council to reverse cuts to the Civic Arts Festival Grants Program and restore funding for the Civic Arts Capital Grants Program.
May 15, 2024
Protect Arts Funding
Arts Advocates Launch Campaign Urging Governor Newsom to Reverse Arts Funding Cuts Proposed in May Revise.
April 25, 2024
Send a Letter to Governor Newsom
Send Governor Newsom a letter thanking him for his support over his terms in office and reminding him that we need to increase funding.
November 7, 2023
Stop Changes to CAC Grant Programs
In advance of their October 25th meeting, the Programs Policy Committee of the California Arts Council (CAC) made program change recommendations for next year’s grant programs.
Resources for taking action
