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May 1, 2026
Sign Up to Give Public Comment
Budget Committee Hearings are underway - and this is where critical decisions are made. CAC funding will likely be heard in the Assembly budget committee the afternoon of next Tuesday, May 7th, and the mornings of Thursday May 7th and May 14th.
May 1, 2026
Urgent! 1-Click Letter in Support of the PAEPF
Actor’s Equity has created a one-click letter to ask your legislators to support the $40 million budget ask for the PAEPF. Numbers matter here! Make sure to sign your support and share this with your networks. Urge Your Lawmaker to Support the PAEPF!
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.
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.
Learn More
$40M for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund
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.
Learn More
CA Arts Advocates 2026-27 Policy Priorities
Want to learn about this year's budget and legislation asks? CA Arts Advocates has got you covered with our 2025-26 Policy Priorities, which details our budget items and bills we are currently tracking.
Learn More
2026 Advocacy Calendar
This calendar features key dates in 2026 and monthly actions you can take to build relationships with your elected officials and advocate year round!
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What we do
Advocating for California to be the best state to be creative
Policy Framework
We're fighting for equity, investment and sustainability
Research
Dive into the reports and data that drive what we do
Help us build awareness of the arts in California
Our sister organization, California for the Arts, provides programs and services to make advocating for the arts easier than ever. As a 501c3, they help promote awareness of the arts, while California Arts Advocates – a 501c4 – ensures the arts are represented on a legislative level.
