The California Arts Council is a state agency governed by an 11-member policy-setting council appointed by the Governor and the Legislature to advance the state through the Arts and creativity. Council members and professional staff have experience and expertise in the Arts, creative industries, education, community development, state and local government, and the nonprofit and for profit sectors.
The Arts are the creative activities and objects that give meaning to our lives. They include-but are not limited to-music, dance, theater, film, video, graphic arts, painting, sculpture, poetry, design, photography, literature, architecture, crafts, cultural festivals, and animation.
The California Arts Council encourages widespread public participation in and appreciation of the Arts and creative endeavors. The agency helps build strong arts organizations at the local and statewide level, directly supports arts programs for all citizens, assists with the professional development of arts leaders, supports arts education in schools in all areas of the state, and promotes awareness of the value of the Arts. The California Arts Council does this by administering competitive grant programs and special projects, collecting and disseminating information, and assisting organizations and individuals.
The Arts bring value to Californians. The Arts are essential to a well-rounded education, stronger economies, cohesive communities, healthy lifestyles and a fulfilling quality of life.
California can claim more arts-related businesses and more people employed in the creative industries than any other state. The Arts are crucial to our educational system and after-school programs in a world where many jobs of the future will require increased creativity and critical thinking. And key parts of our state’s economic profile are touched by the Arts. Just a few examples: the film, design, high tech, tourism and entertainment industries.
Individuals benefit from the Arts. Students acquire critical-thinking skills, focused discipline, and improved behavior with an education that includes the Arts. Homeowners realize increased property values based on architectural design. Memory-impaired adults recollect elements of their past through musical experience. Restaurateurs’ business increases based on their facilities’ proximity to performing arts organizations. Animators with training in visual arts are in higher demand than those without such background. For more information on the value of the Arts to California, browse through our research library web page.
We invite you to subscribe to ArtBeat, our e-newsletter that keeps Californians informed not only of what’s happening at the Arts Council, but also gives you general arts news, grant opportunities, arts jobs, artist calls, research library, and other valuable information on the Arts. Members of the public are always encouraged to attend any of the Council meetings held in various locations throughout the state. And California Arts Council staff members welcome questions and comments via phone or email. And of course, we urge you to extensively explore this website. There’s lots to find here.
