Call to Action: the time to advocate for the arts is NOW and you can do it from home!
October 8, 2025 | California Arts Advocates
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 home district. With the California Legislature currently in recess, elected officials are preparing for the second year of the 2025-2026 legislative session, which commences in January. During this time, they will also focus on the 2026-2027 state budget and annual appropriations.
Now is the perfect time to educate them on arts issues, influence their priorities and identify new arts champions.To effectively convey your programs, impact, and challenges to your state Assemblymembers and Senators, direct communication is key.
And it's easy - they want to hear from their constituents. Here are the steps to take to start these vital conversations:
Step 1: Identify your local legislator here and contact their district office to schedule a meeting. During the meeting, discuss the impact of arts and culture within their district. If possible invite them to an event or to see your program in action. Give them an opportunity to speak too and provide a photographer.
Step 2: Prepare Your Talking Points - Do you have a specific ask? Do your homework. Follow them on social media, visit their website and see what they are prioritizing in their communications to see how you can align. Refer to CAA’s Policy Priorities from last year for background and data points.
Step 3: Recruit and prep your team (folks who are most impacted by your programs and services)
Step 4: Attend the meeting and start building a relationship with your elected officials
Step 5: Follow up with a thank you email and tag them on social media
Need Help?
- Download our Guide to Successful Advocacy today and start your journey to becoming an arts advocate
- Check out our resources page to support your casemaking and reference our talking points from this year’s advocacy day for relevant background information.
- Still not sure how to engage in district advocacy? Contact Tracy Hudak, our Director of Field Engagement and Advocacy for added support!
Sample Ask
Despite significant demand, California's nonprofit arts and culture sector received limited investment this year. The California Arts Council (CAC) received over $90 million in eligible grant requests but had only $19 million in appropriations. Similarly, the California Office of Small Business Advocates (CAL-OSBA) had over $40 million in requests but only $11.5 million available for the performing arts equitable payroll fund.
California currently ranks 39th nationally in per capita funding for its state arts agency (CAC). This is in stark contrast to the arts and culture sector's substantial economic impact: in 2023, it was a $289 billion industry (7.5% of the state's GDP), ahead of agriculture and transportation, representing 821,183 jobs (4.34% of California's workforce), and generating $136.2 billion in total compensation.Despite its $289 billion economic impact in 2023 (7.5% of the state's GDP), supporting 821,183 jobs, California ranks 39th nationally in per capita funding for its state arts agency (CAC).
Funding for the arts is an investment in California's culture, history, and future, not just its artists. Increased investment in arts and culture should be a priority in next year's budget negotiations.