We Did It: Protecting Arts Jobs Across California
Stanislaus Arts Council Advocacy Update
We’re thrilled to share a major advocacy win for California’s arts and culture sector! Thanks to the collective efforts of arts advocates across the state, and the strong partnership between the California Arts Council (CAC) and Californians for the Arts (CAA), funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund has been fully restored in the recently signed state budget.
On July 1, Governor Newsom signed a series of budget bills that reversed his earlier proposal to cut $11.5 million from this critical program. That funding will now go directly to small nonprofit performing arts organizations across California in the form of payroll subsidies—preserving jobs and ensuring the vibrancy of our creative sector. With over $40 million in applications submitted before the program was paused, this restoration is a clear sign of the Legislature’s recognition of the arts as essential to our communities.
We at the Stanislaus Arts Council are proud to have joined this advocacy effort. Working alongside the CAC and California for the Arts to protect and promote arts funding is a vital part of our mission, and we’re committed to continuing this work into the future.
The budget also includes exciting news for the film and television sector. SB 132 expands the Film/TV tax credit from $330 million to $750 million, with companion legislation AB 1138 (Zbur) moving through the Senate Appropriations Committee this week. These steps help cement California’s role as a global hub for entertainment and creative workforce development.
Additional highlights from the budget include:
$2.5 million in dedicated funding for the Historic South Los Angeles Black Cultural District, championed by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas.
Flat funding of approximately $20 million for the CAC’s local assistance program.
Ongoing advocacy to restore funding to the Cultural District Program, which currently lacks adequate financial support despite its powerful potential to drive cultural and economic growth in communities like ours.
We’re also closely following SB 456 (Ashby), which would exempt muralists from contractor licensing requirements, making it easier for artists to bring their work into public spaces. The bill passed the Assembly Arts Committee unanimously and will be heard in the Assembly Business & Professions Committee on July 8.
While we celebrate these victories, we know this work is far from over. California still ranks 39th in the U.S. in per capita investment in our state arts agency. Sustained advocacy is essential, and your support helps make it possible.
If you believe in the power of the arts to uplift, connect, and transform, we invite you to join us. Become a member of the Stanislaus Arts Council and be part of this ongoing effort to secure a strong, equitable future for the arts in our region and beyond.
