More than 50 representatives from arts organizations throughout the San Diego region attended and were briefed on the history of California Arts Advocates, its mission to develop strategies and coordinate advocacy that strengthen arts and culture in California, its role as the State Captain representing California in the Americans for the Arts State Arts Action Network and it advocacy tools that include the California Arts Action Center (Capwiz), research data, legislative updates, action alerts, website and especially the work of its lobbyist Kathryn Lynch.
Kathryn Lynch explained her role as lobbyist for California Arts Advocates providing more than 20 years experience building relationships with legislators, policy makers and the Governor's office. She also told attendees about the carefully planned negotiations among stakeholders, legislative leaders and the Governor's office that resulted in historic funding for arts education in California. She clarified the implementation of $500 million (estimated allocation $80 per student) for one-time block grants for arts/music/PE supplies and equipment and $105 million (estimated $17 - $18 per student) for ongoing arts and music education programs. She noted that there is an opportunity for arts organizations to partner with local school districts and that the intent of the Governor and the Legislature is that these funds supplement, and not supplant, existing resources for the visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre and visual arts) and this intent is assured by AB 1811. The one-time funding may be used for professional development in the visual and performing arts and physical education as described in SB 1131. When the legislature convenes in January, it is expected that additional legislation governing the implementation of the arts education funding package will be introduced.
Kathy, on CAA behalf monitors the state budget funding for the California Arts Council and arts education and legislation that impacts arts stakeholders. This includes meetings with legislators and the Governor's staff and testimony at committee hearings. For more information about recent legislation, please visit the CAA webpage 2006 Legislative Highlights.
Please continue to check this webpage for further information about Before/After School Program funds (Prop 49) that make it possible for arts organizations to partner with local school districts to provide arts programs before and after school. More information will be posted soon.
Attendees were invited to submit questions for the California Arts Advocates Candidate Questionnaire that will be sent to more 250 candidates running for 80 Assembly seats and 20 Senate seats on the ballot November 7. This questionnaire will be modified and included in a "Congratulations and Welcome to Sacramento" information packet that will be hand delivered to state legislators and Governor in January. In addition, everyone at the forum was asked to provide an answer to the following:
1. What arts policy (other than funding) would you like CAA to explore this legislative session?
2 Describe a new kind of funding stream for the California Arts Council that is not associated with the state budget or the Arts License Plate.
CAA board members and it lobbyist meet every January with key legislators and the Governor's office and are planning now for those meetings in January 2007. The California Arts Council is convening a statewide arts conference on January 30 in Sacramento. CAA stands ready to provide a legislative briefing and/or advocacy workshop for delegates and coordinate meetings with members of the legislature.
Special thanks to Julie Fry, director, Arts and Culture Analysis and Strategy, The San Diego Foundation for providing a venue and refreshments and bringing arts organizations together for the Arts Advocacy Forum. CAA appreciates the interest and support from the San Diego arts field.
CAA plans to present legislative briefings throughout the state. If your organization is interested in hosting an Advocacy Forum or has questions and would like more information, please e-mail CAA at Advocacy@CaliforniaArtsAdvocates.org
CAA needs your membership to continue its work advocating on behalf of all arts stakeholders in California. CAA is in Sacramento every day advocating for the arts. Please join CAA today!
California Arts Advocates (CAA) was founded as a means of bringing together individuals, who believe in the importance and vitality of the Arts in California, to advocate for state funding and legislation
that benefits arts and culture throughout the state.
P.O. Box 601902, Sacramento, CA 95860-1902 T (916) 973-0807 F (916) 979-1116 Advocacy@CaliforniaArtsAdvocates.org
