For Immediate Release

June 29, 2026

Sacramento, CA. After months of advocacy from arts champions across the state, the California Fiscal Year 2026/27 budget includes $12 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF), an important investment that will provide jobs and support to artists, cultural workers, nonprofit performing arts organizations, and communities across California. The budget also includes a $4 million reversion to the California Arts Council, returning its grantmaking budget to $24.3 million statewide. 

This achievement is a direct consequence of persistent, field-wide mobilization. It was made possible by advocates who voiced their concerns through calls, emails, and testimony at budget hearings, alongside legislative leaders who championed the cause and partners throughout California who successfully argued that arts and culture constitute vital public infrastructure.

California Arts Advocates offers profound gratitude to the thousands of individuals who engaged in the budget process by taking action to emphasize the importance of arts funding. We also wish to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of our partners—including Actors' Equity Association and Theatre Producers of Southern California—as well as coalitions such as the Association of CA Symphony Orchestras, the CA Association of Museums, and Theatre Bay Area, whose collective leadership was instrumental in advocating for the PAEPF budget allocation.

We are especially grateful to legislative champions Assemblymember Matt Haney and Senator Susan Rubio for helping lead and submit the PAEPF budget request, and to the lawmakers who joined in support. Thanks also to the Legislative Champions, Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas and Assembly member Chris Rogers, who advanced the funding request for the California Arts Council.

At the same time, we are disappointed to share that the budget does not include an increase in funding for the state arts agencies’ grantmaking programs, including the California Cultural Districts program. California designated 24 Cultural Districts — and introduced 10 new districts this year — but provided zero funding 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 specific organizations to benefit the creative industries, cultural programming, and expanded access across California communities. Although all contributions to the arts are valued, the state agency functions as a grantmaking body where the volume of applications far exceeds available approvals due to insufficient investment. With a granting budget of less than $25 million, California currently ranks 33rd nationally in per capita investment in its state arts agency, trailing states like Tennessee and Florida. 

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.”

While the Governor has 12 days to sign or veto the budget bill once it reaches his desk, the state fiscal year officially begins on July 1, and it’s expected that the Governor will take action by June 30 to avoid fiscal disruptions to the state. 

To learn more about how you can take action to protect California’s creative economy and become more involved, visit: www.caartsadvocates.org/take-action

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CA Arts Advocates fights year-round in Sacramento to ensure arts and culture are funded, protected, and prioritized in California policy. The organization advances legislation, secures public investment, and champions policies that strengthen artists, nonprofit arts organizations, and creative communities statewide. Visit: www.caartsadvocates.org

Media Contact

Eduardo Robles
Director of Communications
California for the Arts
eduardo@caforthearts.org
(916) 800-7120