Advocacy is Cultivating Relationships
May 21, 2025 | CA for the Arts
Cultivate Relationships and Take Action to Support Small Arts Orgs!
By Cultivating Relationships, Together We Can Create Further Change
Over the past five years, CA for the Arts and CA Arts Advocates have built and cultivated relationships with lawmakers and other organizations that resulted in major accomplishments for public funding in the arts: Over $350M in relief funds, historic legislation like SB 628 and AB 812, and the single largest appropriation to CAC resulting in CA Creative Corps - the largest artist employment program in the US.
However, just last week The Governor’s May 2026-2027 Budget Revision now proposes pulling back the funds allocated for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund. This is a program that was oversubscribed in the first 24 hours and the application portal was closed in less than 10 days with 413 applications submitted totaling $40.9M in requests. A loss of funding would have a devastating impact on small performing arts organizations that rely on sources of funding such as this. CA Arts Advocates is working around the clock with our lobbyist and coalition partners at the Capitol, and grassroots advocates are speaking up and taking action across the state. This exemplifies power and momentum set in motion by relationships.
CEO Julie Baker joined leaders from across the state to present testimony for the State of the Arts Hearing, held by the Joint Committee on the Arts in Sacramento on May 14th. From front left to right: Dario Herrera (Clockshop), Alexandra Urbanowski (SV Creates), Amy Kweskin (ArtsInsightful), Sean Fenton (Theatre Bay Area), Lauren Pfizer Mains (Joint Arts Committee Consultant). Back from left to right: Julia Meltzer (Clockshop), Erin Harkey (Americans for the Arts), Dominique Johnson (Stanislaus Arts Council), Gustavo Herrera (Arts for LA), Cara Goger (Mariposa Arts Council), Julie Baker (CA Arts Advocates/CA for the Arts), Mariana Moscoso (The Center for Cultural Power), Laura Bergmann (San Francisco Symphony), Rachel Hatch (Institute for the Future), Jennifer Laine (San Benito Arts Council), Danielle Brazell (California Arts Council).
Cultivating Relationships is a Long Game
Building relationships with lawmakers takes time, and it should start at the local level. Many lawmakers begin their careers in local leadership, then move on to other positions and if we start early, by the time they reach the state legislature, they could become arts champions.
When you become a member, you’re not just joining a network – you’re fueling powerful connections with lawmakers, leaders in the field, and cross-sector partners to amplify the voice and impact of the arts. Cultivating relationships with your network and lawmakers as part of advocacy is more important than ever.
You Can Join for a Price of a Coffee A Month!
Monthly memberships are available - you choose your investment! For as little as $5/month (price of a coffee!), support a movement in urgent need of committed advocates! As Akib Rahman from Arts for LA so wisely put in our May 15th webinar - this moment is an opportunity to organize. So join us!
Your membership supports:
- Educational year-long programming and free webinars.
- Strategic communications and free toolkits.
- Grassroots organizing and training.
- Direct lobbying in Sacramento.
Your voice is needed now more than ever. Join us today to inspire the urgent societal change we need.
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Your Lobbying Voice in Sacramento
Attend Member Meet Ups Such As on May 22nd!
Our next Member Meet Up will be held Thursday, May 22nd, 12-1PM for some much needed Community Care Building. Members will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual art making activity, say hi to friends from the Summit/Arts Advocacy Day, do some self care, take part in supportive discussions, and breathe with us. Members can invite a friend that may be interested in becoming an arts advocate or advocacy leader!