State of the Arts:
Arts, Culture & Creativity in California
Two years ago, the California Arts Council's budget was cut 94% - from $18
million to $1 million dollars. That is 1/10th of 1/10th
of 1/10th of 1% of the State's budget! California now ranks 50
th of the 50 states in per capita support.at less than three
cents!! The national average is $1.15; New York spends over $2.75.
As a result of these cuts, California goes from having the largest
Artist in Residence in the schools program, in the country, to having
no program at all. 850,000 K-12 students will receive no arts
programming this year. Millions more are affected by cuts to
organizations with in-school and after-school programs (e.g. "Arts
Reach to Schools" through CSAC).
Performances and exhibitions around the state are being cancelled.
As one of every four dollars spent by tourists is arts and culture related,
the impact on this industry is significant.
The message being sent is that California no longer values arts, culture,
and creativity.
We hope you will join us in demanding from your State legislators,
the Governor and County officials that some reasonable funding be restored
this year. Tell them how you feel and don't let arts, culture, and creativity
become tarnished in the Golden State .
Contact the CAC web site (www.cac.ca.gov)
for more information on how you can help.
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