Welcome to the inaugural CA Arts & Culture Summit hosted at The Sofia (B Street Theatre) produced by Californians For The Arts and Create CA in partnership with Unseen Heroes! Take a look at all we got to experience during our time in Sacramento, CA and join us for the festivities next time!

CA Arts & Culture Summit Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCiwMq7bSUE

Let’s build a more creative California. We’re helping every Californian become an advocate for the arts – from raising awareness on why the arts are so important, to providing programs and services that make our state’s creative sector stronger than ever.

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In our first panel, we will hear from arts and cultural leaders, policy makers and funders on what we have we learned in the last three years that changes how we approach our work; ways that public investment and public policy can help shift systems and support transformation, how we can best support and center artists, culture bearers, creative workers, and creative entrepreneurs, and what's needed now to continue to build equitable investment in the arts. 

Facilitator: David Holland (Western States Arts Federation) 

Kristin Sakoda (LA County Dept. of Arts & Culture) 

Tara Lynn Gray (CA Office of the Small Business Advocate) 

Panel 1: Lessons Learned: Reimagining the Creative Ecosystem 2.0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-m1ZHswFFII

In this panel we will hear from community based organizations across the state and learn about examples and strategies that center artists, culture bearers and creative workers in social change and community & economic development. Panelists will share ways that advocacy and public policy have helped support community transformation and systems change. They will also share their dreams for the future. 

Facilitator: Maria Jenson (SOMArts Cultural Center) 

Brandon Steppe (The David’s Harp Foundation) 

Carolyn "C.J." Johnson (Black Cultural Zone) 

Betty Marín (Alliance for California Traditional Arts)

Panel 2: Art In All

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXYDaGA6VhA

Actively connect with your state legislators for Arts, Culture & Creativity Month! In this webinar, we delve into relevant issues, cover budget requests and key talking points, and provide resources for effective advocacy. This webinar supports anyone organizing or participating in legislative visits, or who plans to make phone calls/write letters to legislators in support of state arts policies.

Video - ACCM 2024 Arts Advocacy Training Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTLprh8gmn8

From easy to share weekly social media posts, template proclamations, op-eds, press releases, artist engagement, weekly webinars and a primer on what we are asking of the Legislature and Administration, this webinar is your one stop training for all things ACCM 2024.⁠ ⁠ This year’s thematic focus for ACCM is “Art Work is Real Work.” Throughout the month of April, we are emphasizing the essential role that artists and arts workers play in our economy and health with vital contributions across social, economic, and environmental impact areas.

Video - How to Engage in ACCM 2024 Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9nQVENc5bU

“Gonna ‘light the beam’! Gotta be seen! Invest and Protect if you know what I mean!” 📣⁠ ⁠ CFTA wants to send a HUGE shout out to Studio T Media for their collaboration with us on capturing our Arts Advocacy Day in Sacramento last month. They definitely put the capital T in T-E-A-M ❤️‍🔥⁠

Arts Advocacy Day 2023

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ZAw40dAk8VY

This breakout workshop will motivate and equip arts advocates to articulate their unique stories and combine them with research and messaging to make the case for the transformative power of the arts. Hector Flores from Las Cafeteras will guide participants through understanding the value and power of effective storytelling. Ryan Stubbs from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies will provide research insights into effective messaging and data that resonates with a wide range of stakeholders. Participants will develop their own stories, messaging and data to put advocacy into action 

Moderators: Hector Flores (Las Cafeteras) & Ryan Stubbs (National Assembly of State Arts Agencies)

CA Arts & Culture Summit: The Head and The Heart of Arts Advocacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGEjATK7H30

In our third and final panel we will hear from artists, culture bearers, youth and creative entrepreneurs on the policies, resources and conditions needed for a just and equitable future for creativity to thrive. Panelists will also explore what have we learned in the last three years that changes how we approach our work; what are ways that public investment and public policy can help shift and support transformation and systems change, and how can these systems best support and center artists and creative entrepreneurs and what's needed now to continue to build equitable resources for the arts. 

Panelists: Tiana Randall-Quant (BLKLST Collective) 

Penelope Louise Oliver (All Access Arts) 

Panel 3: From The Field

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJSXlEXuo74

Learn how Fremont Creates effectively utilized Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month tools to activate their city, fostering unity and boosting engagement during our annual month-long celebration.

ACCM 2024 For the Love of Art Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJxFG_kSv6o

To help small theater organizations - – Understand the current status of California’s employment law and public policy (AB5 as modified by AB 2257 and Proposition 22) – Know in what settings the ABC Test does not apply – Develop Policy and Process Plans: determining if a worker is an employee, independent contractor (IC) or volunteer.

AB-5 and the Arts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_adBUf8FM6k


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Arts Advocacy Day, Sacramento, April 23, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5ERw1blRBQ

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Dance Resource Center

Californians for the Arts, Dance Resource Center and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar November 28th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoRYb0UlmKg

State Legislation & Funding 2023: What's in it for Arts & Culture?

Join Californians for the Arts & California Arts Advocates CEO Julie Baker, CAA Lobbyist Jason Schmelzer, and Senator Anthony Portantino to learn what happened in 2023 during the Legislative session that impacts arts and culture and a preview of what to expect in 2024. Free, 90 minutes, q/a

State Legislation & Funding 2023: What's In It for Arts & Culture Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T3XIQHmZ20

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Theatre Producers of Southern California

Californians for the Arts, Theatre Producers of Southern California (TPSCA) and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, November 1st

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvJkc-RnHlY

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Cal Nonprofits

Californians for the Arts, Cal Nonprofits (California Association for Nonprofits) and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, November 14th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTi7oE3WDlg

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by ACSO

Californians for the Arts, American Association of California Symphony (ACSO) and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, November 15th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TQgLVHdHAQ

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by Theatre Bay Area

Californians for the Arts, Theatre Bay Area and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Informational Webinar November 29th

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOw5hA_eFnA

CALPAYART Informational Webinar, Co-hosted by American Federation of Musicians Local 7

Californians for the Arts, American Federation of Musicians Local and Austin Creative Alliance are partnering to present an informational webinar covering the California Performing Arts Paymaster (CalPayArt) program. Californians for the Arts has  secured a state grant through the California Arts Council to build a nonprofit paymaster service for small theaters, symphonies, ballets, operas, chorales, dance companies, music organizations and other performing arts organizations throughout the state of California.

CALPAYART Infomational Webinar Co-hosted by AFM Local 7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wunWvleYbaU

Californians for the Arts, in partnership with local organizations, is holding four regional conversations to discuss the state of the nonprofit performing arts in California. In San Diego we are working with SDRACC (San Diego Arts and Culture Coalition) and The Old Globe. Bringing together organization leaders and artists to discuss the current crisis, provide background on how we got here, what the current situation is including a recent data report, and how through public policies and resources, philanthropy and innovative business models we can move forward to a more sustainable and equitable future. Highlights of the program include a presentation on a recent report by CVL Economics on the state of California nonprofit performing arts, the introduction of the CA Nonprofit Paymaster Program, recent legislative efforts including SB1116, the advocacy needed to build awareness, and a panel discussion with local leaders on new approaches and resources needed to sustain live nonprofit performing arts in California.

Partners: SDRACC (San Diego Regional Arts and Culture Coalition) and The Old Globe

San Diego Region: Adapting In Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz52Y1XTIwc

Artists, arts workers, culture bearers, arts administrators, arts patrons, advocacy curious, policy wonks: the fifth annual Arts, Culture & Creativity Month (ACCM 2023) is your chance to activate as we celebrate and recognize the impact of our industry and workforce in the State of CA and build public will for the arts. 

From easy to share weekly social media posts and a downloadable toolkit, template proclamations, op-eds, press releases, multiple advocacy opportunities, April 2023 will be a month full of simple ways to take action. This webinar, led by Californians for the Arts staff, will go over how you can participate in ACCM 2023 to build our collective voice for the arts as we engage in the 23-24 CA legislative session.

How to Engage in Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgXBO47IwGE

Californians for the Arts, in partnership with local organizations, is holding four regional conversations to discuss the state of the nonprofit performing arts in California. In San Francisco we are working with Theatre Bay Area. Bringing together organization leaders and artists to discuss the current crisis, provide background on how we got here, what the current situation is including a recent data report, and how through public policies and resources, philanthropy and innovative business models we can move forward to a more sustainable and equitable future. Highlights of the program include a presentation on a recent report by CVL Economics on the state of California nonprofit performing arts, the introduction of the CA Nonprofit Paymaster Program, recent legislative efforts including SB1116, the advocacy needed to build awareness, and a panel discussion with local leaders on new approaches and resources needed to sustain live nonprofit performing arts in California.

Partners: Theatre Bay Area and ODC Theater 

San Francisco Region: Adapting In Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baFC5-_3D4E

Round 2 of the CA Venues Grant will be opening December 19 and applications will be accepted through January 31. Round 2 will be for organizations that were not funded in the first round and will utilize the expanded eligibility criteria that was passed in June. We will hold a series of informational webinars to bring you up to date on the new eligibility criteria. Additional NAICS and NTEE codes have been added to the eligibility, and the required decrease in gross earned revenue has gone from 70% to 30%. Learn more on the program website at: https://cavenuesgrant.com/ If you have an application for the first round of this program that has not yet been concluded please email Grants Manager Teri Ball (grantsmanager@californiansforthearts.org) so she can check on the status and hopefully help you bring it to resolution.

Venues Grant Program | Informational Webinar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpyrLFdr6AA

The Arts Work to Build Community & Prosperity 

This webinar examines how the arts work to reimagine and rebuild the social and physical infrastructure of our communities and what policy and funding mechanisms are needed to sustain and grow culture-centered civic collaboration. Panelists include leading thought-leaders and practitioners from cultural districts to arts-led disaster response, to artists serving as civic leaders

The Arts Work to Build Community & Prosperity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QusBVRZZBw

The Arts Work to Advance Social Justice & Racial Equity

From providing spaces of liberation and solidarity, to confronting power with creativity, to reimagining unjust systems, the California artists, culture bearers and civic innovators on this panel are creating opportunities for individuals and communities to define and advance racial and social justice. In this conversation, we will hear about their practices, explore where visions of justice converge and diverge, examine the multifaceted ways in which we might define justice and discuss what indicators or outcomes will let us know it is being advanced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlH5P20nbcI

While California recognizes its artists as essential second responders, what is needed to place artists and culture bearers at the center of our state’s health efforts? This panel gathers leaders at the intersection of arts and health to reimagine wellness in the US and to examine the systems change needed to sustain and grow a creative workforce that can deliver health outcomes. Practitioners, researchers and advocates will discuss program models and evidence-based impacts along with infrastructure change we should be considering, including funding, cross-sector connections, policies and adaptations to health insurance such as social prescribing.  What can advocacy and activism look like in this space and what policies could we promote to ensure that “The Arts Work” to help our state recover and thrive?

The Arts Work to Heal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDRwW3Oo-rs

From artists/entrepreneurs to small businesses to large institutions, the creative workforce accounts for a large swath of California’s economy but there are many gaps in how creative workers are supported and recognized. How are the arts thinking about innovative models to sustain the people who make up our industry to ensure that growth is not just possible, but progressive? In the last year we have seen new programs introduced from guaranteed basic income to pandemic unemployment assistance but the question remains, how do we move these programs from pilots to policy? Meet leading thinkers and organizers from California and beyond that are reimagining how policy and systems can make the arts work for its workers.

The Arts Work to Create Jobs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQIjMTXjonc

Arts Policy & Funding Updates, Local Opportunities + You!

We have joined forces with the Humboldt Arts Council and Ink People Center for the Arts for an afternoon convening in Eureka at the Morris Graves Museum of Art. The two-part event will feature a CFTA Regional Conversation with policy and funding updates and an opportunity to share your priorities with us. And then the spotlight will turn to feature local initiatives and local advocacy opportunities. Eliza Tudor of the Nevada County Arts Council will host an important listening session to gather your input in shaping the CA Creative Corps program. And of course we get to be together and network!

Update on Zoom access - Due to low enrollment, the option to access the event via Zoom has been cancelled. We apologize if this disappoints or inconveniences you in any way. Please join us in person if you can, or be sure to attend the virtual Northern CA Regional Conversation in Friday, Nov 18th from 12:00 - 1:30 - click here to register. 

CA Creative Corps Listening Session with Eliza Tudor, Nevada County Arts Council

Intro to the Community Economic Resilience Fund Program

LOCATION: Morris Graves Museum of Art | 636 F St, Eureka, CA 95501  map  

FOOD: Snacks and refreshments provided. Boxed lunch available. Indicate interest in registration form.

LODGING: These hotels are offering attendees a 10% discount! See confirmation email for details.
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Redwood Coast: Regional Conversations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GxaDd9U6YI

TPSCA, Arts for LA, and the LA County Department of Arts and Culture are hosting an event in collaboration with Californians for the Arts, as part of their statewide regional conversations, to discuss the state of the nonprofit performing arts sector in California. The program will bring together organization leaders and arts advocates to discuss the current crisis, provide background on how we got here, and highlight how public policies, resources, and philanthropy can move us forward to a more sustainable and equitable future. The program will include a presentation by CVL Economics on the Center Stage study commissioned by TPSCA, AEA, and AFLA with support from Californians for the Arts. Other highlights include, the introduction of the CA Nonprofit Paymaster Program, recent legislative efforts including SB1116, and upcoming advocacy opportunities. 

Partners: Theatre Producers of Southern California, Arts For LA, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, CVL Economics and The Colony Theatre. 

Los Angeles Region: Adapting In Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoMih3iCWLM

Get ready to engage your state legislators during ACCM!! In this Zoom workshop, we will discuss the issues, learn the budget asks and talking points and share tips & resources for effective advocacy. This Zoom meeting is meant to support everyone who is organizing or participating in legislative visits, or who want to make phone calls or write letters to state legislators in support of state arts policies. CFTA policy leaders will be on hand to answer all questions and get everyone excited and prepared.

CFTA is offering three advocacy opportunities during ACCM! Visit the ACCM23 Advocacy Opportunities Webpage to sign up to meet with your legislators either locally during Advocacy Week (April 3-7), on Arts Advocacy Day in Sacramento (April 18th) or virtually through the month of April. 

Arts Adovacy Training 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc6nZnON2wY

We have joined forces with the Shasta County Arts Council for an afternoon convening in Redding at the Shasta County Arts Council’s location at Old City Hall in Redding. The two-part event will feature a CFTA Regional Conversation with policy and funding updates and an opportunity to share your priorities with us. And then the spotlight will turn to feature local initiatives, local advocacy opportunities and Eliza Tudor of the Nevada County Arts Council will host an important listening session to gather your input in shaping the CA Creative Corps program. And of course we get to be together and network!

CA Creative Corps Listening Session with Eliza Tudor

 Intro to the Community Economic Resilience Fund Program 

Post-event Mixer & Discount tickets to Hamlet !

LOCATION: Old City Hall/Shasta Co Arts Council | 1313 Market St, Redding, CA 96001 | Map 

LODGING: The Americana Modern Hotel is offering a discount on rooms to attendees (ex: King Standard is offered at $122.61, usually $175). To use discount - book over the phone and mention “Shasta County Arts Council” | (530) 722-4950
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You will receive more on the Boxed Lunch, Lodging and Post-Event fun in follow up emails after registering.

North State: Regional Conversations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlyYZrg1MPA&t=2s

This webinar is presented in partnership with NIVA CA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_JW6vQFX08

Join Californians for the Arts & California Arts Advocates CEO Julie Baker and other special guests and learn what happened in 2023 during the Legislative session that impacts arts and culture and a preview of what to expect in 2024. Free, 90 minutes, q/a

Regional Conversations are back! This time we are meeting in November to get input from you that will help inform our advocacy in the coming budget cycle. Join us in a Zoom meeting to get updates, to give feedback on our policy priorities and to discuss the  wins and challenges affecting your work.

• Alpine • Amador • Calaveras • Fresno • Kern • Kings • Inyo • Madera • Mariposa • Mono • Monterey • San Benito • Santa Barbara • Santa Cruz • San Luis Obispo • Tulare • Tuolumne • Ventura • San Joaquin • Stanislaus  •  Merced

Central California: Regional Conversations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_crr31s5nI&t=2793s

Northern California: Regional Conversations

Regional Conversations are back! This time we are meeting in November to get input from you that will help inform our advocacy in the coming budget cycle. Join us in a Zoom meeting to get updates, to give feedback on our policy priorities and to discuss the wins and challenges affecting your work.

Counties included in the Northern Region:

Alameda • Butte • Colusa • Contra Costa • Del Norte • El Dorado • Glenn • Humboldt • Lake • Lassen • Marin • Mendocino • Modoc • Napa • Nevada • Placer • Plumas • Sacramento • San Francisco • San Mateo • Santa Clara • Shasta • Sierra • Siskiyou • Solano • Sonoma • Sutter • Tehama • Trinity • Yolo • Yuba

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjCwIZY2mHg&t=1s

Californians for the Arts, in partnership with local organizations, is holding four regional conversations to discuss the state of the nonprofit performing arts in California. In Sacramento we are working with The City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, Latino Center for Arts and Culture, and Celebration Arts. Bringing together organization leaders and artists to discuss the current crisis, provide background on how we got here, what the current situation is including a recent data report, and how through public policies and resources, philanthropy and innovative business models we can move forward to a more sustainable and equitable future. Highlights of the program include a presentation on a recent report by CVL Economics on the state of California nonprofit performing arts, the introduction of the CA Nonprofit Paymaster Program, recent legislative efforts including SB1116, the advocacy needed to build awareness, and a panel discussion with local leaders on new approaches and resources needed to sustain live nonprofit performing arts in California.

Partners: City of Sacramento Office of Arts and Culture, Latino Center for Arts and Culture, and Celebration Arts. 

Sacramento Region: Adapting In Crisis: Toward a Resilient Performing Arts Sector

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JDsLeq6PIo

Join CFTA,CEO, Julie Baker and staff to review what is in the CA Budget that includes: $30m for CA Cultural Districts Program, $25m Cultural & Art Installations in Parks Program, and $120m in local arts & culture investments.

State Legislation & Funding 2022: What's in it for Arts & Culture?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDQUnSbSUbQ

Southern California Regional Conversation 

Counties included in the Southern Region:

• Imperial • Los Angeles • Orange • Riverside • San Bernardino • San Diego

Southern California: Regional Conversations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnbweFu92UU&t=3793s

This webinar explores the connections between arts education, creative youth development, workforce development and college readiness. Young adults will share insights from their in-school and out-of-school arts learning experiences. Their reflections will serve as the context for a discussion of current advocacy opportunities by a panel of experienced advocates, funders and policy leaders.

The Arts Work to Engage & Empower Youth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sV7BLM7XZA