The Arts Work to Advance Social Justice & Racial Equity

From providing spaces of liberation and solidarity, to confronting power with creativity, to reimagining unjust systems, the California artists, culture bearers and civic innovators on this panel are creating opportunities for individuals and communities to define and advance racial and social justice. In this conversation, we will hear about their practices, explore where visions of justice converge and diverge, examine the multifaceted ways in which we might define justice and discuss what indicators or outcomes will let us know it is being advanced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlH5P20nbcI

Let’s build a more creative California. We’re helping every Californian become an advocate for the arts – from raising awareness on why the arts are so important, to providing programs and services that make our state’s creative sector stronger than ever.

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Since 2020, advocates have rallied to support funding for arts and culture that has gone from unprecedented one time investments to having to protect budget cuts to ongoing funding. Achievements have been made to build coalition across the creative sector and to build awareness of the value of arts workers to California communities health and economic prosperity.

At the same time, it has becoming increasingly clear that California’s creative industries is in a precarious state with wide inequities across the sector due to a lack of sustained investments, access to affordable housing and space, capital and rising costs. With the 2024 election, more than 25% of the CA legislature is new, Federal Funding resources are increasingly uncertain and the California state budget remains unstable.

What can advocates expect in the year ahead and how can we be prepared for the 2025-26 legislative session? Learn in this conversation by featuring Julie Baker, CEO at CA for the Arts; Alex Torres, Policy Advisor at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schrek and Lobbyist at NIVA CA; Priscilla Quiroz, Legislative Advocate at Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange; and Karri Wood Einertson, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy at SAG-AFTRA.⁠ ⁠

The State of Funding and Legislation for Arts, Culture & Creativity in California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJz9LYsZSNM

We are presenting another episode of Where Art Meets Impact in collaboration with Voices of the Community and the Bay Area Video Coalition. The production series will bring you highlights from our 2nd annual CA Arts & Culture Summit: Art Work is Real Work. 

In Episode 6, discover the power of arts advocacy in this inspiring panel discussion featuring arts leaders from across California. They share transformative policy wins, innovative funding strategies, and groundbreaking partnerships that advance equity and creativity. From revitalizing arts commissions to creating sustainable funding models and workforce opportunities, these stories highlight how the arts are driving change in underserved communities.

Whether you missed the #CAArtsSummit, or you want to relive the magic, tune in to learn about powerful issues currently impacting the arts and the urgent need for sustained funding. Be inspired by stories of how art drives the California economy, addresses societal issues, and fosters a more empathetic world.

Where Art Meets Impact, Episode 6: Advocate for the Arts: Policy in Action

In Episode 5, economic developer Jackie Melendez and performance artist Tracy Hudak discuss the importance of integrating arts into economic development planning. They highlight the need for artists and arts advocates to actively participate in shaping their communities and economies. Learn how to leverage the tools of economic development and urban planning to make a lasting impact!

Where Art Meets Impact, Episode 5: Bridging the Gap Between Arts and Economic Development

Grassroots Artists Advocacy Program (GAAP) is a cohort-based fellowship program for artist advocates that live or work in Oakland or San Francisco. Artist Advocates include diverse artists, culture bearers, and creative workers with a dedicated and committed artistic or cultural practice who directly engage in advocacy and policy development to advance the holistic well-being of the field. 

Watch and learn more in this informational webinar with Program Lead Ted Russell, CA for the Arts Director of Programs NeFesha Yisra’el and CA for the Arts Programs Manager Teri Ball. ⁠ GAAP is funded by The Kenneth Rainin Foundation. This webinar was recorded on October 4, 2024.

Grassroots Artists Advocacy Program (GAAP) Informational Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eux_Dsb8kTo

Election season is coming up, have you checked what will be on the ballot this year and who supports the arts? CA for the Arts, in partnership with CalMatters, is excited to present Wonky Wednesday: A Deep Dive into the 2024 Elections on October 9th! This session will focus on everything you need to know about the upcoming elections. We are joined by Dan Hu from CalMatters who will help you navigate your ballot and effectively use the 2024 CalMatters Voter Guide. 

Dan Hu manages strategic partnerships at CalMatters, a nonprofit publication focused on California's statewide issues. Previously, Dan was the executive director of The Yappie, a nonprofit publication focused on AAPI political news. Through his service on the boards of LION Publishers and the Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group, Dan is focused on supporting local news across the country. This webinar was recorded on October 9, 2024.

Wonky Wednesday | A Deep Dive into the 2024 Elections

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp4MM_UGSIY

In this webinar, our featured guests explore the critical role of advocacy and public policy in advancing arts and health initiatives. As the connection between the arts and well-being gains recognition, what are the systemic barriers that need transformation to support and expand these efforts? Our panel of experts discuss effective advocacy strategies, the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and ways to influence public policy.⁠ ⁠ 

This webinar features Julie Baker, CEO of CA for the Arts and CA Arts Advocates, Julia Hotz, Author & Journalist, "The Connection Cure” book Kristin Sakoda, Director, LA County Department of Arts & Culture; and Nicole Taylor, CEO/Founder & Teaching Artist, Creativity Through Music. ⁠ ⁠ 

The creative moment was led by Natalie M. Godinez, Artist & Educator. This webinar was recorded on September 18, 2024.⁠

Arts & Health | Exploring Workforce Development for Arts & Health Initiatives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PeB5TFgBIA

In Episode 4, we take on issues that the creative economy is facing, including fair pay, technological disruption, and access to resources. Our expert panelists, Nurit Smith - Executive Director: Music Forward Foundation; Tiara Amar - Director Advocacy & Fellows: Whippoorwill Arts; Nicole Hendrix - Co-Founder: BRIC Foundation & Concept Art Association; Marcus Mitchell - Public Art Administrator: City of West Hollywood; and Jamie Hand, Dir. Strategic Impact & Narrative Change: Creatives Rebuild New York, contribute to an insightful discussion and offer solutions and strategies for artists and advocates to navigate these challenges and build a more sustainable and equitable future for the creative sector.

Where Art Meets Impact, Episode 4:Shaping the Future of the Arts: Tackling Fair Pay, Creative Advocacy, & the Impact of Technology on Artists

July 1st was the first day that Workplace Violence Prevention measures were legally required to be in place for all California businesses with over 10 employees. Laws like this may be coming to your state in coming years, and being prepared is always a good idea. To enhance safety for all workers and to mitigate risks to organizations for fines and lawsuits, Performing Arts Readiness is offering a free informative webinar. 

PAR, CFTA and Majestic Collaborations together with Cal/OSHA will walk through what you need to know, and how meeting the standards of the law can actually be a gateway for team-building and expanding your organization’s overall safety and creative resilience. We’ll share various interactive practices learned over our teams’s collective ninety years of work supporting performing arts organizations to increase their preparedness for emergencies.

SB553 + Effective Workplace Violence Prevention Planning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwgO6HwL9xE

Learn more about the qualifications and training needed to effectively integrate arts into healthcare and public health as interest grows among artists, healthcare workers, and social services professionals to integrate artists as second responders.

This session features Alison Leitch, Assistant Service Manager, Community Link Worker Programme, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council; Meida Teresa McNeal, PhD, Deputy Commissioner, Cultural Grants and Resources, Chicago Dept. of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; and Ping Ho, MA, MPH, Founder/Director, Arts & Healing Initiative. Our panelists share insights and strategies to equip a diverse workforce with the skills necessary to support arts-based interventions, ensuring they meet the needs of individuals and communities.

The session starts with a creative moment at the beginning of the webinar led by Julio Hanson, EdD, Entertainer and Principal, Los Angeles Unified School District.

This webinar was recording on September 4, 2024.⁠ ⁠

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIIXj6PqYOI

In our 3rd episode, we explore the concept of 'place keeping' and how artists are using their creativity to reclaim their spaces and fight for a more just future. We are joined by Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer, Founder and CEO of Studio T Arts & Entertainment, Arianna Paz Chávez, Executive Director of Artes Américas, Heather Heslup, Director of Public Art Programs at Destination Crenshaw, Nikko Kimzin, Founder and Lead Creative of Kimzin Creative, and Roshaun Davis, Executive Director of CLTRE. Learn from these community leaders about how the arts are driving economic justice and revitalizing our communities.

Where Art Meets Impact, Episode 3: Voices of Change, The Intersection of Art, Equity, and Economic Empowerment

"Strategies for Innovative Funding & Partnerships in Arts & Health Initiatives” features panelists who will share their expanding arts-based health initiatives that harness the power of the arts to improve health outcomes. Learn about the diverse strategies they use to secure creative funding and form impactful partnerships that are driving meaningful change.⁠ ⁠ 

We are so excited to be joined by Alyson Maier Lokuta, MA, Senior Director, Arts & Well-being, New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council; and Elizabeth Markle, PhD, Co-Founder/Executive Director, Open Source Wellness for this conversation. There is also a creative moment at the beginning of the webinar led by Jazlynn Pastor, Performing Artist & Cultural Worker, pinaypages. 

This webinar was recording on August 21, 2024.

Arts & Health | Strategies for Innovative Funding & Partnerships in Arts & Health Initiatives

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvcSj1Tebxs

CA for the Arts is proud to present “Navigating the Do's and Don'ts of Nonprofit Involvement in Electoral Activities". Watch for an overview of how nonprofits can actively engage in elections, including:⁠

Voter Education and Mobilization: Empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to participate in the electoral process.⁠

Advocacy and Policy Influence: Leveraging nonprofit voices to shape electoral outcomes and drive meaningful policy change.⁠

Digital Engagement Strategies: Leveraging social media, email campaigns, and digital advocacy tools to amplify impact.⁠

Collaborative Partnerships: Building alliances and coalitions to broaden reach and magnify impact.⁠

We are pleased to be partnering with San Jose Arts Advocates and the UCLA Lowell Milken Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofits.⁠

Navigating the Do's and Don'ts of Nonprofit Involvement in Electoral Activities

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxI5nBVl6_Q

Listen in on a conversation about the current landscape around ticketing bills, both federal and California laws and a review of the California legislative process. This discussion is moderated by Julie Baker, CEO of CA for the Arts/CA Arts Advocates, with guest speakers Gabriel Docto, Director of Operations at August Hall, San Francisco and Leadership team member at NIVA CA; and Alex Torres, Policy Advisor at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Lobbyist at NIVA CA. ⁠

Wonky Wednesdays is a webinar series designed specifically for folks who want to dig deeper to understand cultural policy, state budget, and legislative processes. ⁠

Wonky Wednesdays - July 10th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_gTIgFdosU

The second annual CA Arts & Culture Summit organized by CA for the Arts happened in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 16. The Summit took place during CA for the Arts 6th Annual Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM) with this year’s thematic focus “Art Work is Real Work.”

2nd Annual CA Arts & Culture Summit Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEikixp5qVA

We are thrilled to kick off Where Art Meets Impact in collaboration with Voices of the Community and the Bay Area Video Coalition. The production series will bring you highlights from our 2nd annual CA Arts & Culture Summit: Art Work is Real Work!

Where Art Meets Impact: Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKR_0G4TjA4

“Health Benefits of Arts Engagement and the Importance of Involving Community Organizations in Research” discusses how engaging in the arts can significantly enhance physical and mental well-being. 

We are excited to be joined by Alan Siegel, MD, Co-Founder/Medical Director, Social Prescribing USA; Jill Sonke, PhD, Director of Research Initiatives, UF Center for Arts in Medicine and Director of National Research and Impact, One Nation/One Project initiative; and Christina D. Eskridge, MPH, Founder and Executive Director of Elevate Theatre Company LLC and National Mapmakers Coordinator, One Nation/One Project, for this conversation. 

We will introduce the growing body of research demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of arts participation and the impact of community-based participatory research. The session will provide an overview of social prescribing, a progressive approach where healthcare providers recommend community-based, non-clinical and non-pharmaceutical activities, including the arts, to support health and well-being.⁠ 

This webinar was recording on August 7, 2024.

Arts & Health | Health Benefits of Arts Engagement and the Importance of Involving Community Organizations in Research

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrEMPLFKmYM

In our 2nd episode, join us for a discussion on the powerful intersection of art and health, featuring moderator Deborah Cullinan, Vice-President for the Arts at Stanford University; Chris Appleton, Founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy; Dr. Tasha Golden, Founder and President of Tasha Golden, PhD; and Dr. Indre Viskontas, Cognitive Neuroscientist and Opera Stage Director. Discover the evidence-based impact of arts on well-being and innovative programs integrating arts into healthcare.

Where Art Meets Impact: Episode No. 2. Arts & Health

We are thrilled to kick off Where Art Meets Impact in collaboration with Voices of the Community and the Bay Area Video Coalition. The production series will bring you highlights from our 2nd annual CA Arts & Culture Summit: Art Work is Real Work. 

In our premiere episode, you’ll tune into the inspiring opening ceremony and keynote sessions with Nataki Garrett, Nefesha Yisra'el, Leticia Rhi Buckley, and Julie Baker with key takeaways from Lyz Luke and Deborah Cullinan. Watch or listen as they all delve into the critical topics of advocacy, cultural equity, artist support, and the transformative power of the arts in promoting health and belonging. Don't miss out on this captivating journey! 

Where Art Meets Impact: Episode No. 1. Intro and Keynote

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4c7wXieGjQ

Listen in on our first FREE Wonky Wednesday lunchtime hour talk! Moderated by Julie Baker, CEO of CA for the Arts and CA Arts Advocates with guest speakers Priscilla Quiroz, Legislative Advocate at Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange, and Eduardo P. Martinez, Legislative Advisor on the Government and Regulatory Team at Manatt Sacramento. The discussion is centered around the California Budget and where we are now. ⁠

Wonky Wednesdays is a webinar series designed specifically for folks who want to dig deeper to understand cultural policy, state budget, and legislative processes.

Wonky Wednesdays - June 12th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epMplj7MZCk

This webinar briefly discusses the CALPAYART Paymaster Program, review the simple steps you should know to get started, and then will focus on recent program developments. Current CALPAYART clients and CALPAYART DPAs (Dedicated Paymaster Associates) will be on hand to answer questions. 

The California Nonprofit Performing Arts Paymaster is a program of CA for the Arts, with paymaster services provided by Austin Creative Alliance. This activity is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. 

CALPAYART Informational Webinar | June 26, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vte-q1lFJec

In our first panel, we will hear from arts and cultural leaders, policy makers and funders on what we have we learned in the last three years that changes how we approach our work; ways that public investment and public policy can help shift systems and support transformation, how we can best support and center artists, culture bearers, creative workers, and creative entrepreneurs, and what's needed now to continue to build equitable investment in the arts. 

Facilitator: David Holland (Western States Arts Federation) 

Kristin Sakoda (LA County Dept. of Arts & Culture) 

Tara Lynn Gray (CA Office of the Small Business Advocate) 

Panel 1: Lessons Learned: Reimagining the Creative Ecosystem 2.0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m1ZHswFFII

In this panel we will hear from community based organizations across the state and learn about examples and strategies that center artists, culture bearers and creative workers in social change and community & economic development. Panelists will share ways that advocacy and public policy have helped support community transformation and systems change. They will also share their dreams for the future. 

Facilitator: Maria Jenson (SOMArts Cultural Center) 

Brandon Steppe (The David’s Harp Foundation) 

Carolyn "C.J." Johnson (Black Cultural Zone) 

Betty Marín (Alliance for California Traditional Arts)

Panel 2: Art In All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXYDaGA6VhA

Actively connect with your state legislators for Arts, Culture & Creativity Month! In this webinar, we delve into relevant issues, cover budget requests and key talking points, and provide resources for effective advocacy. This webinar supports anyone organizing or participating in legislative visits, or who plans to make phone calls/write letters to legislators in support of state arts policies.

Video - ACCM 2024 Arts Advocacy Training Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTLprh8gmn8

From easy to share weekly social media posts, template proclamations, op-eds, press releases, artist engagement, weekly webinars and a primer on what we are asking of the Legislature and Administration, this webinar is your one stop training for all things ACCM 2024.⁠ ⁠ This year’s thematic focus for ACCM is “Art Work is Real Work.” Throughout the month of April, we are emphasizing the essential role that artists and arts workers play in our economy and health with vital contributions across social, economic, and environmental impact areas.

Video - How to Engage in ACCM 2024 Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9nQVENc5bU

“Gonna ‘light the beam’! Gotta be seen! Invest and Protect if you know what I mean!” 📣⁠ ⁠ CFTA wants to send a HUGE shout out to Studio T Media for their collaboration with us on capturing our Arts Advocacy Day in Sacramento last month. They definitely put the capital T in T-E-A-M ❤️‍🔥⁠

Arts Advocacy Day 2023

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZAw40dAk8VY

This breakout workshop will motivate and equip arts advocates to articulate their unique stories and combine them with research and messaging to make the case for the transformative power of the arts. Hector Flores from Las Cafeteras will guide participants through understanding the value and power of effective storytelling. Ryan Stubbs from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies will provide research insights into effective messaging and data that resonates with a wide range of stakeholders. Participants will develop their own stories, messaging and data to put advocacy into action 

Moderators: Hector Flores (Las Cafeteras) & Ryan Stubbs (National Assembly of State Arts Agencies)

CA Arts & Culture Summit: The Head and The Heart of Arts Advocacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGEjATK7H30

In our third and final panel we will hear from artists, culture bearers, youth and creative entrepreneurs on the policies, resources and conditions needed for a just and equitable future for creativity to thrive. Panelists will also explore what have we learned in the last three years that changes how we approach our work; what are ways that public investment and public policy can help shift and support transformation and systems change, and how can these systems best support and center artists and creative entrepreneurs and what's needed now to continue to build equitable resources for the arts. 

Panelists: Tiana Randall-Quant (BLKLST Collective) 

Penelope Louise Oliver (All Access Arts) 

Panel 3: From The Field

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJSXlEXuo74

Learn how Fremont Creates effectively utilized Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month tools to activate their city, fostering unity and boosting engagement during our annual month-long celebration.

ACCM 2024 For the Love of Art Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJxFG_kSv6o

Welcome to the inaugural CA Arts & Culture Summit hosted at The Sofia (B Street Theatre) produced by Californians For The Arts and Create CA in partnership with Unseen Heroes! Take a look at all we got to experience during our time in Sacramento, CA and join us for the festivities next time!

CA Arts & Culture Summit Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCiwMq7bSUE

To help small theater organizations - – Understand the current status of California’s employment law and public policy (AB5 as modified by AB 2257 and Proposition 22) – Know in what settings the ABC Test does not apply – Develop Policy and Process Plans: determining if a worker is an employee, independent contractor (IC) or volunteer.

AB-5 and the Arts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_adBUf8FM6k


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Arts Advocacy Day, Sacramento, April 23, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ERw1blRBQ

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Dance Resource Center

Californians for the Arts, Dance Resource Center and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar November 28th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoRYb0UlmKg

State Legislation & Funding 2023: What's in it for Arts & Culture?

Join Californians for the Arts & California Arts Advocates CEO Julie Baker, CAA Lobbyist Jason Schmelzer, and Senator Anthony Portantino to learn what happened in 2023 during the Legislative session that impacts arts and culture and a preview of what to expect in 2024. Free, 90 minutes, q/a

State Legislation & Funding 2023: What's In It for Arts & Culture Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T3XIQHmZ20

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Theatre Producers of Southern California

Californians for the Arts, Theatre Producers of Southern California (TPSCA) and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, November 1st

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvJkc-RnHlY

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Cal Nonprofits

Californians for the Arts, Cal Nonprofits (California Association for Nonprofits) and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, November 14th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTi7oE3WDlg

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by ACSO

Californians for the Arts, American Association of California Symphony (ACSO) and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, November 15th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TQgLVHdHAQ

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Theatre Bay Area

Californians for the Arts, Theatre Bay Area and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar November 29th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOw5hA_eFnA

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by American Federation of Musicians Local 7

Californians for the Arts, American Federation of Musicians Local and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Infomational Webinar Co-hosted by AFM Local 7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wunWvleYbaU

Californians for the Arts, in partnership with local organizations, is holding four regional conversations to discuss the state of the nonprofit performing arts in California. In San Diego we are working with SDRACC (San Diego Arts and Culture Coalition) and The Old Globe. Bringing together organization leaders and artists to discuss the current crisis, provide background on how we got here, what the current situation is including a recent data report, and how through public policies and resources, philanthropy and innovative business models we can move forward to a more sustainable and equitable future. Highlights of the program include a presentation on a recent report by CVL Economics on the state of California nonprofit performing arts, the introduction of the CA Nonprofit Paymaster Program, recent legislative efforts including SB1116, the advocacy needed to build awareness, and a panel discussion with local leaders on new approaches and resources needed to sustain live nonprofit performing arts in California.

Partners: SDRACC (San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition) and The Old Globe

San Diego Region: Adapting In Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz52Y1XTIwc

Artists, arts workers, culture bearers, arts administrators, arts patrons, advocacy curious, policy wonks: the fifth annual Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM 2023) is your chance to activate as we celebrate and recognize the impact of our industry and workforce in the State of CA and build public will for the arts. 

From easy to share weekly social media posts and a downloadable toolkit, template proclamations, op-eds, press releases, multiple advocacy opportunities, April 2023 will be a month full of simple ways to take action. This webinar, led by Californians for the Arts staff, will go over how you can participate in ACCM 2023 to build our collective voice for the arts as we engage in the 23-24 CA legislative session.

How to Engage in Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgXBO47IwGE

Californians for the Arts, in partnership with local organizations, is holding four regional conversations to discuss the state of the nonprofit performing arts in California. In San Francisco we are working with Theatre Bay Area. Bringing together organization leaders and artists to discuss the current crisis, provide background on how we got here, what the current situation is including a recent data report, and how through public policies and resources, philanthropy and innovative business models we can move forward to a more sustainable and equitable future. Highlights of the program include a presentation on a recent report by CVL Economics on the state of California nonprofit performing arts, the introduction of the CA Nonprofit Paymaster Program, recent legislative efforts including SB1116, the advocacy needed to build awareness, and a panel discussion with local leaders on new approaches and resources needed to sustain live nonprofit performing arts in California.

Partners: Theatre Bay Area and ODC Theater 

San Francisco Region: Adapting In Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFC5-_3D4E

Round 2 of the CA Venues Grant will be opening December 19 and applications will be accepted through January 31. Round 2 will be for organizations that were not funded in the first round and will utilize the expanded eligibility criteria that was passed in June. We will hold a series of informational webinars to bring you up to date on the new eligibility criteria. Additional NAICS and NTEE codes have been added to the eligibility, and the required decrease in gross earned revenue has gone from 70% to 30%. Learn more on the program website at: https://cavenuesgrant.com/ If you have an application for the first round of this program that has not yet been concluded please email Grants Manager Teri Ball (grantsmanager@californiansforthearts.org) so she can check on the status and hopefully help you bring it to resolution.

Venues Grant Program | Informational Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpyrLFdr6AA

The Arts Work to Build Community & Prosperity 

This webinar examines how the arts work to reimagine and rebuild the social and physical infrastructure of our communities and what policy and funding mechanisms are needed to sustain and grow culture-centered civic collaboration. Panelists include leading thought-leaders and practitioners from cultural districts to arts-led disaster response, to artists serving as civic leaders

The Arts Work to Build Community & Prosperity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QusBVRZZBw

While California recognizes its artists as essential second responders, what is needed to place artists and culture bearers at the center of our state’s health efforts? This panel gathers leaders at the intersection of arts and health to reimagine wellness in the US and to examine the systems change needed to sustain and grow a creative workforce that can deliver health outcomes. Practitioners, researchers and advocates will discuss program models and evidence-based impacts along with infrastructure change we should be considering, including funding, cross-sector connections, policies and adaptations to health insurance such as social prescribing.  What can advocacy and activism look like in this space and what policies could we promote to ensure that “The Arts Work” to help our state recover and thrive?

The Arts Work to Heal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDRwW3Oo-rs

From artists/entrepreneurs to small businesses to large institutions, the creative workforce accounts for a large swath of California’s economy but there are many gaps in how creative workers are supported and recognized. How are the arts thinking about innovative models to sustain the people who make up our industry to ensure that growth is not just possible, but progressive? In the last year we have seen new programs introduced from guaranteed basic income to pandemic unemployment assistance but the question remains, how do we move these programs from pilots to policy? Meet leading thinkers and organizers from California and beyond that are reimagining how policy and systems can make the arts work for its workers.

The Arts Work to Create Jobs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQIjMTXjonc

Arts Policy & Funding Updates, Local Opportunities + You!

We have joined forces with the Humboldt Arts Council and Ink People Center for the Arts for an afternoon convening in Eureka at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. The two-part event will feature a CFTA Regional Conversation with policy and funding updates and an opportunity to share your priorities with us. And then the spotlight will turn to feature local initiatives and local advocacy opportunities. Eliza Tudor of the Nevada County Arts Council will host an important listening session to gather your input in shaping the CA Creative Corps program. And of course we get to be together and network!

The Arts Work to Advance Social Justice & Racial Equity