Artists play a vital role in California helping to shape culture and build bridges across generations, but public funding for the arts is often the first thing on the chopping block.

Artists play a vital role in California helping to shape culture and build bridges across generations, but public funding for the arts is often the first thing on the chopping block. The Golden State ranks around 35th nationally in per-capita arts funding. As lawmakers work to finalize the state’s budget, we’ll hear from an artist and advocate about the impact of funding on the work and the economy. Janine Mapurunga is a Social Practice Artist and Julie Baker is the CEO of California For the Arts, which advocates on behalf of the California Arts Council.