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Stand up for the arts in ways big and small
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
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.
Previous Campaigns
March 6, 2026
50 Members for $50M for the CAC
The arts power California — chronic underinvestment puts it at risk. We need you to urge your Assemblymember to co-sign the letter supporting a $50 million investment for the California Arts Council.
March 6, 2026
Lawmaker Sign Ons for $40M for the PAEPF
The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) is a targeted investment to strengthen California's small nonprofit performing arts organizations (budgets under $2 million) by helping them meet payroll. We need your support to make this $40M budget request happen.
November 10, 2025
California Arts Council Budget Request
Prioritize increased funding for the arts in California and increase the California Arts Council’s ongoing appropriation to $50 million.
October 1, 2025
Federal Government Shutdown
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).
July 25, 2025
Protect the NEA
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).
July 3, 2025
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.
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
