Dear Arts Advocates,

Arts for LA is disheartened by the National Endowment for the Arts’ newly announced guidelines for the Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) program, which risks exacerbating inequities, silencing vital artistic voices, and dismantling years of progress toward cultural equity and inclusion in the arts and culture sector. While these changes raise serious concerns about the future of equitable arts funding, we believe it’s crucial to provide our community with hope, action, and an appeal for solidarity moving forward.

It’s important to recognize that NEA staff are navigating complex challenges. Federal agencies are being dismantled, executive orders are flooding the government apparatus, and the demand for nonprofit support has never been greater. NEA staff must balance their role as federal employees responding to administrative directives with their role as public servants to a multicultural sector in crisis. 

We also understand artists and creative workers are feeling a deep sense of betrayal under this new federal administration. Targeted attacks on diversity and inclusion initiatives are increasing fears that organizational missions are at stake. These actions threaten the work we’ve done to build arts accessibility for all, foster community cohesion and empowerment, and position creativity as economic development. 

In the foreword of its Building Bridges report, the NEA itself has emphasized the arts’ role in “promoting civic engagement, inclusivity, social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding,” and has affirmed that “cultural organizations and practitioners contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, invigorate physical spaces, fuel democracy and foster equitable outcomes.” Despite new restrictions, it’s important to remember that the adjusted grant guidelines dictate project proposals and not an organization’s mission or values. 

Let us be clear, Arts for LA is grounded in our mission to lead communities, artists, and organizations to advocate for an equitable, healthy, and vibrant Los Angeles region through the arts. Our values necessitate diversity, equity and inclusion and we understand that many nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving historically underserved communities, rely on public funding to sustain their vital work. That is why we believe our sector must remain actively involved in holding public servants accountable rather than withdrawing from engagement. 

As we navigate this challenging moment, we encourage you to:

1. Review the recent NEA Webinar for further guidance on grant guidelines (slides here)
2. Attend Americans for the Arts’ Office Hours with NEA’s Senior Advisor, Mary Anne Carter on Friday, February 21 at 1PM PST
3. Join Arts for LA and CA for the Arts for an open discussion on federal changes as we prepare for a DC trip to meet members of Congress and NEA staff
4. Continue applying for NEA funding while maintaining your organization’s core values in the face of unprecedented pressure tactics
5. Consult legal counsel before submitting grant applications if you have specific concerns

We urge the NEA to define newly restrictive terms as they relate to arts programming, offer more detailed implementation guidance, and maintain open dialogue with the field. 

In the face of wildfires, federal upheavals, and a funding crisis, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed—but staying informed, lifting each other up, and standing in unshakable solidarity has always been our north star. 

Arts for LA remains committed to monitoring government actions impacting the arts and culture sector and ensuring our community is informed and prepared to respond to policy changes that threaten equity and sustainability. We will continue to advocate at the local level for increased funding to counteract federal and state cuts, strengthen pathways to sustainable creative careers, and uphold the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for all. We’re in this together.

Always,

Arts for LA

UPDATE as of January 24, 2025: Please visit our Wildfire Relief page for access to a continuously-updated spreadsheet of resources for artists and creative workers impacted by the fire, as well as a form for organizations to submit the aid and resources they are able to provide.

Dear Arts for LA Community Members,

We hope you and your loved ones are safe.

There have been 180,000 evacuations (and growing) across LA County over the last 48 hours due to the wildfires. Entire neighborhoods in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Pasadena, Sepulveda Basin, Sylmar and the Hollywood Hills are gone. All schools in the LA Unified School District are closed. Businesses and cultural institutions have been entirely destroyed by the ongoing fires. This is the most destructive fire in LA history. 

Los Angeles, our hearts are with you, especially those who lost loved ones, lost homes or were displaced during this crisis. We also recognize all of the first responders who are at this very moment fighting these fires, and helping people to safety no matter how dangerous it might be. This is one of those moments where we must come together as one community to take care of one another with small and big actions alike. 

Below are resources that we hope will help you or can be forwarded to help your loved ones:

• If you have been displaced and are seeking temporary housing, you can go here
• Emergency Relief Grants for craft artists available via CERF+ here
• You can register for LA County Emergency Alerts here
• For a trusted and locally based guide to LA Services, you can go here
• LA Unified School District Updates and meal distribution for LAUSD Students here
• A list of entertainment industry resources from Entertainment Community Fund here
• For resources pertaining to evacuation, housing, food, air quality, clean up, mental health, legal aid, and other issues, go here.
• Mutual Aid LA’s List for a region-wide list of resources here
• You can find donation drop-off locations across LA to support families here 
• If you are able to, make a financial contribution to Wildfire Relief efforts here
• If you are able to, support local American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts here

To local artists and leaders of our local cultural institutions: if you have been impacted, please contact us so that we will know the impact this crisis is having on our local arts ecosystem and so that Arts for LA can be a connector to others that can help.

We recognize that recovery from natural disasters can take years. Let us come together now and strengthen one another in this time of great need. 

In Solidarity,

Arts for LA Board and Staff

Arts Advocates,

We know it has been a stressful and emotional time for many of you. We are navigating challenging circumstances at the local, state, and federal levels – but know that we are in this fight together and we will continue to champion equitable solutions to our most pressing challenges. Remember that the work cannot continue if you are not first finding time to care for yourself and those you love. Let’s get into some news from the last few months.

Laura Zucker Fellowship Report

Last month, we unveiled Arts and Music in Schools: Exploring Prop 28 Implementation and Public Perceptions in Los Angeles County by Lindsey T. Kunisaki, the culmination of six months of research, interviews with regional district arts leaders, surveys of LA County residents, and rigorous analysis. Coming at a time of heightened concerns from parents, teachers, and community members around transparency and potential misuse of funds, this report provides an analysis of varying district level implementation efforts and public perceptions of Prop 28 in practice. 

Key challenges identified in the report include shortages of qualified arts educators, insufficient classroom space, and limited time in school schedules to accommodate additional arts programming. The report also underscores the need for collaboration and community involvement in the continued rollout of Prop 28 and recommends tangible actions schools, districts, families, students, community based organizations, and government agencies can take to meet the promise of this historic opportunity.

Podcasts

In an effort to build community and stress the importance of advocacy (for both individuals and organizations), we were featured as guests in three separate podcasts during the month of November:

• The Collective Impact Forum: Last year, Independent Sector published research on how nonprofit advocacy has declined from 74% participation in 2000 to only 31%. To better understand how collaboratives can participate in advocacy to support policy change and collective goals, we discuss our Creative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative (CJCII), and how we’ve used data to strengthen our work.
• Indy Shakes’ Community Action Update: Each quarter, Carene Mekertichyan (ISC Artistic Associate for Social Justice) introduces artists to people making a difference in LA and breaks down ways folks can take action to help make Los Angeles a wonderful city for all. In this episode, I chat with Carene about the importance of voting and reflect on the power of the arts. You’ll also hear from community members who attended our Voter Activation Day.
• On the Fringe: In their very first episode, Co-directors of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, Ellen and Lois, chat with me about the state of the arts, the need for narrative change around the value of the arts, and the urgency of increased funding for artists, arts organizations, and businesses.

Measure G

The LA County Government Structure, Ethics and Accountability Charter Amendment passed by a majority of LA voters! This will be the first major governance reform in over 100 years. It will enhance representation, transparency, and accountability in local government by expanding the Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 members, creating an elected County Executive Officer, and establishing an Independent Ethics Commission. Each supervisor will represent approximately 1.1 million residents and budget hearings will now be public. Most of these changes are expected to take shape in 2028. 

CA Film Tax Credit

One of our core strategic recommendations presented to the LA County Board of Supervisors in April as part of our jobs initiative was to double the CA film tax credit to help secure LA’s role as the premier destination for film and television production. We are thrilled with Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to increase the tax credit to $750 million, a move that will reestablish California as the leading state for film incentives. This bold initiative has the potential to revitalize the entertainment industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years due to the pandemic and historic labor strikes. 

H.R. 9495

Cal NonProfits: Last month, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 9495, alarming legislation that would grant the Secretary of the Treasury unrestricted power to strip away the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations deemed “terrorist-supporting organizations” without sufficient due process. While it’s not expected to pass the Senate, we cannot be complacent. Some or all of the bill will almost certainly be reintroduced in 2025. Want to take action? See how your local representative voted on H.R. 9495 here and contact them to share either concerns or praise based on their vote.

If you haven’t already, sign up for alerts in our Action Center. 

Upcoming

• We are currently building our 2025-2027 Policy and Advocacy Agenda which will set strategic priorities for the next two years. 
• Complete this survey by December 17th at 5pm to share your thoughts and be entered into a holiday raffle. One winner will receive a swag bag and a $50 Visa gift card.

See you next month, Changemakers.

Always,

Ricky

Arts Advocates,

It has been a long and productive summer at Arts for LA. We have been hard at work activating voters ahead of the election, advocating for streamlined grant processes, and convening creative workers to discuss concerns from the field. Below you’ll find an overview of these efforts.

ArtsVote Webinar

I spoke on a panel of strong leaders from across the country, hosted by The Arts Action Fund (HERE). We discussed:

• How to educate voters in your region on how to make their vote count by meeting detailed election deadlines and strict procedures
• Getting-The-Vote-Out (GOTV) to maximize voter registration and voter turnout to ensure every vote gets counted
• The do’s and dont’s of election work and voter mobilization as a 501c3 nonprofit

We also encourage you to check your voter registration and explore nonprofit resources like THIS offered by our friends at CA for the Arts.

Voter Activation Day

We partnered with Center Theatre Group, The Music Center, and Theatre Producers of Southern California to host a dynamic Voter Activation Day on September 25 at The Music Center Annex, where artists, arts workers, and organizations came together for a meaningful discussion about the upcoming election. Participants also heard from LA City Council candidates:

• District 2: Jillian Burgos and Adrin Nazarian
• District 10: Grace Yoo
• District 14: Samir Bitar (Surrogate for Ysabel Jurado)

If you’re curious about the election and what will appear on the ballot, you can learn more HERE. Keep an eye out for Measure G.

Measure G

The LA County Government Structure, Ethics and Accountability Charter Amendment aims to enhance representation, transparency, and accountability in local government. The proposal includes expanding the Board of Supervisors from 5 to 9 members, creating an elected County Executive Officer, and establishing an Independent Ethics Commission. Each supervisor would represent approximately 1.1 million residents, allowing for more localized representation and potentially addressing the diverse needs of LA. The measure also mandates public budget hearings, which could improve public participation and accountability in funding decisions. If it passes, this would be the most comprehensive LAC governance reform in over 100 years.

Community Listening Sessions

We hosted four listening sessions this summer, covering affordable space, arts education, creative jobs, and resources/capital. Some of what we heard includes (but is not limited to):

• The need for increased non-discretionary, multi-year funding tailored to smaller arts organizations (capital improvements, general operating support, staff capacity, etc.)
• The need for streamlined grant applications to reduce administrative burdens.
• The need for narrative shifts that emphasize the economic, educational, and cultural impact of the arts to engage and attract more support from decision-makers.
• The urgency of lowering operational costs for both artists and arts organizations, particularly in addressing lease restrictions, zoning barriers, and the financial strain of operating in public spaces.
• The need for a centralized resource hub to share best practices, breakdowns of tax write-offs, and strategies for engaging developers.
• Prop 28 implementation, knowledge gaps, a lack of transparency within LAUSD, and the need for affordable credential pathways for teaching artists.
• The importance of creating sustainable, culturally diverse work environments and balancing job satisfaction with pay, especially given the impact of automation on job opportunities.

The comments from these sessions will help guide our 2025/2026 Policy & Advocacy Agenda. To contribute, keep an eye out for our community survey and join us for our Public Forum on October 30 from 2-5PM at Independent Shakespeare Co.

Looking Ahead

• Early October: CJCII Podcast Episode with Collective Impact Forum 
• October 16: Our annual State of the Arts Summit (all-day tickets are sold out, but you can still join us in the morning)
• October 21: Our 2024 Laura Zucker Fellowship Report on Prop 28 Implementation in LA County, by Lindsey T. Kunisaki, will be published.
• October 30: Public Forum

These are just some of the exciting developments that await us. Stay tuned and make sure you are signed up for our newsletter to learn more.

See you next month, Changemakers.

Always,

Ricky

Arts Advocates,

We know that many of you are curious about the planning around the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Last month, we met with Maria Arena Bell, Emmy-winning writer/producer and Los Angeles arts leader, who was named Chair of the LA28 Cultural Olympiad to discuss her vision as the LA region begins its coordinating efforts. 

The 2028 Cultural Olympiad, alongside the games, will highlight and expand access to the region’s rich cultural landscape, celebrating the diverse and bold artistic history of Los Angeles. The Cultural Olympiad has accompanied the Games in every host city for more than one hundred years. We will continue to work closely with the LA28 team to ensure your voices are heard and included in the months and years ahead. 

Meanwhile, Arts for LA is celebrating some victories that have been driven by your advocacy. Some 85 community-based arts organizations statewide have called for greater accountability of Prop 28 funds. Last month, the Los Angeles Unified School District quietly added $30 million to the arts budget as a result of that advocacy.

This builds on your successful advocacy in June when we collectively clawed back $1 million for 11 restored positions in the City of LA and $17.5 million of state level funding.

As we enter the late Summer and Fall, stay tuned for numerous opportunities to get involved, including:

• Community Listening Sessions: beginning at the end of August for organizational members. 
• Arts Vote: this will take shape in September as we approach Election Day, highlighting important issues on the ballot and ways you and your friends can register to vote.
• Our second World Cafe at the end of September, which will help guide the implementation phase of our Creative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative.
• State of the Arts Summit: October 16 at The Ebell of Los Angeles. Save the date and stay tuned for details.
• Second annual Public Forum: open to the general public in November.

See you next month, Changemakers.

Always,

Ricky

“The Great Paradox: How Slashing the Arts Contradicts Economic Growth”

By Ricky Abilez

This month, arts advocates spent weeks making calls and sending letters to legislators asking them to prevent significant cuts at the state and local levels. Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom approved their respective budgets and our hard work paid off – for now. We collectively clawed back $1 million for 11 restored positions at the city level and $17.5 million at the state level. But those returned funds do not even meet the status quo. What do we do when this happens again? Difficult budget years depend on public servants making informed and, oftentimes, difficult decisions. However, there’s a dangerous, harmful, and often overlooked pattern that occurs when those decisions are made – putting the arts and culture on a chopping block at a disproportionate rate. 

This trend, alarmingly evident in California, underscores a broader, deeply entrenched misunderstanding of the indispensable role the arts and culture play in our society. Our state is often hailed as a cultural mecca but currently ranks 38th in the nation for per capita arts spending, trailing behind states like Florida. However, Governor Ron DeSantis recently vetoed $32 million in arts funding from the legislature-approved 2024-25 budget, effectively wiping out the entire state arts budget.

Even more startling is the position Los Angeles is in: we rank number one in arts providers per capita but fall behind at number 87 in total government support. We often tout ourselves as the creative capital of the world but fail to bolster that reputation with public and private investment. For example, Los Angeles County’s per capita arts investment in its local agency ($1.77 per resident) is astonishingly low when compared to San Diego ($11.05 per resident) and San Francisco ($33.22 per resident).

This paradoxical situation perpetuates a harmful “starving artist” narrative which insinuates we create art for arts sake because our work is entertaining to consume, but does not provide sustainable livelihoods or tangible benefits. This is abjectly false and disregards the multifaceted impacts the arts and culture have on our economic health and well being.

In 2021 alone, the creative economy was home to 7.6% of California jobs. Each job supported by creative industries resulted in nearly $38,000 of additional tax revenue, generating over $194 billion in federal, state, and municipal taxes. These creative industries are foundational to both the bottom line and global competitiveness of Los Angeles and California. 

With such an outsized impact, it’s no wonder the Governor proposed the California Arts Council be moved under the Office of Economic Development (Go-Biz). But what the proposal did not account for is the fact that creative sectors contribute to the economy despite low investment. Approximately 41% of arts organizations are vulnerable to financial crises, stagnant wages, employment insecurity, or even closure. The Governor’s failure to recognize the paradox of moving our only statewide arts agency under an economic development umbrella while slashing arts funding by 58%, would have worsened the crisis of undercapitalization. Thankfully, the state legislature opposed the Governor’s suggested move, recognizing that the solution is not to relocate the agency, but to invest in its services. 

Though economic data is compelling, we cannot rely upon numbers alone. The arts and culture also yield positive results for regional health and vibrancy. They bridge social divides, build community cohesion, stimulate local businesses, enhance property values, increase academic achievement, reduce crime and recidivism, inspire civic participation, and foster empathy. 

Time and time again, the arts have proven to be powerful tools for social change and community development. They offer platforms for diverse voices and perspectives, truly putting equity principles and values into action. We must advocate for a shift in perception. It is more important than ever for public officials and funders to understand the immense social and economic value of the arts and culture – not as embellishments but necessities. It is clear that the public disconnect is not malicious, but rather, a result of distorted storytelling.

Creative storytellers must lead a collective and concerted effort to educate and engage consumers, legislators, and funders alike. They must highlight success stories that demonstrate vast economic impacts, such as Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour (which generated $4.5 billion for the U.S. economy), and projects with broad community benefits, such as Destination Crenshaw (soon to be a 1.3-mile stretch of pocket parks, hundreds of newly planted trees, and over 100 commissioned works of art along Crenshaw Boulevard). Narrative change is never easy, but it begins with you. Join us in this mission to elevate the arts and unlock their full potential to drive social, economic, and cultural progress.

In 2022, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 28, The Arts and Music In Schools— Funding Guarantee And Accountability Act, to supplement (i.e., increase) spending on and access to arts education in every public school. This landmark proposition is a testament to the value California voters place on arts education.

We, along with 84 community based organizations, are concerned that some school districts are making decisions without input from their communities and not complying with Prop 28’s supplement requirements by using the funds to replace existing arts education funding.

We sent a letter to the Governor, State Superintendent, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker to express those concerns. pro

READ THE FULL LETTER

Arts Advocates,

This year’s Arts Month was one of our most successful yet! On April 9th, we presented recommendations to the LA County Board of Supervisors on how to advance the goals of our CJCII, which were unanimously voted into public record. This unqiue opportunity resulted in the LA County CEO proposing a $1.2 million increase for the County Department of Arts and Culture Organizational Grant Program (OGP). This is a huge win, five years in the making – over 1,500 letters were sent by community members urging an increase, 5 motions were passed by the LA County Board of Supervisors in support, and several cohorts of ACTIVATE Delegates advocated for this increase in legislative meetings. Advocacy works. 

We have made significant progress at the state and regional levels, but we need to remain vigilant to protect what we’ve accomplished. Review updates below:

LA City Budget

Two weeks ago, Mayor Karen Bass proposed a citywide budget decrease of $293 million, or about 2%, from this year’s budget. The proposed budget reduces the LA City Department of Cultural Affairs budget by $2.4 million and eliminates 24 vacant positions. This would negatively impact staff capacity, city-owned spaces, and the department’s ability to serve the field. Now is not the time to divest from arts and culture. If you agree, please send a letter to City Council members today. 

Prop 28

In response to rising concerns around the misuse of Proposition 28 funds and the role CBOs play, we partnered with the Arts Education Alliance of the Bay Area to develop a comprehensive resource for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). This document will be updated as needed. We are also working with Create CA to communicate our Prop 28 implementation concerns to Governor Newsom,  the State Superintendent, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker with a sign-on letter.

We need the voices of parents and community members, too. Ensure this funding is used to expand current arts education programming and increase the number of arts teachers in schools by sending a letter to your local leaders.

SMU Data Arts Workforce Demographics

This third study by SMU Dat Arts analyzing the demographic makeup of the arts and cultural workforce in LA County finds a significant shift toward greater racial and ethnic diversity since 2019, particularly at the leadership level. Overall, nearly half of the arts and culture workforce (49 percent) is composed of individuals identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Read key highlights and the full report here.

See you next month, Changemakers.

Always,

Ricky

Hi Arts Advocates,

Arts Month is here! Established in 2012, Arts for LA hosted the first Arts Day as a way to foster dialogue among civic leaders and since then, this one-day event has grown to Arts Month, a month-long spotlight in April to celebrate and advance access to arts and culture throughout Los Angeles.

Our Arts Month calendar serves as a day-to-day guide for artists, arts workers, and advocates, highlighting programs and events from our organizational members, opportunities to mobilize towards collective action, and reflections on our significant progress.

We encourage you to review the calendar and sign up to attend the various informative and exciting events that await throughout the month. Every Monday, we will highlight the week’s recommended items. This week, review our advocacy efforts (including those related to LA28), the many opportunities to share in community dialogue, and other programs that reflect the diversity of our sector such as the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO) webinar on identifying microaggressions in orchestra settings and New Filmmaker LA’s monthly film festival, including InFocus: Disabilities.