After months of advocacy from arts champions across the state, the budget includes $12 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF), an important investment that will provide relief and support to artists, cultural workers, nonprofit performing arts organizations, and communities across California.

This outcome reflects sustained organizing across the field: advocates elevating the issue in budget hearings, legislative champions advancing the conversation, and partners across the state making the case that arts and culture are essential public infrastructure.

At the same time, we are disappointed to share that the budget does not include funding for California’s Cultural Districts program. California designated 24 Cultural Districts — and introduced 10 new districts this year — but zero funding is included to sustain the program. Cultural Districts contribute to economic development, workforce opportunities, tourism, community identity, and neighborhood vitality. Designation alone is not enough to sustain this work.

Additional arts and culture investments included in the budget support creative industries, cultural programming, and expanded access across California communities.

As California Arts Advocates CEO Julie Baker shared:

“While this investment does not fully meet the level of support our organization and partners advocated for, including $40m for PAEPF, $50m for CAC local assistance grant programs and CA Cultural Districts, it does represent meaningful progress and will provide some needed help to artists, cultural workers, nonprofit arts organizations, and communities across the state.

Arts and culture are essential to California’s economy, civic life, community well-being, and shared identity. We remain committed to working with the Legislature, the current and future Administration, and advocates statewide to secure the sustained, equitable funding our creative sector deserves.”

This work is not over. Take action to protect California’s creative economy and join our statewide arts advocacy network. https://bit.ly/m/caforthearts-caartsadvocates-member