Council approves nearly $10 million in additional general operating support, a new Native American Artist grant program, and cultural districts programs

The California Arts Council took significant steps to strengthen California’s arts and cultural sector at its public meeting in Merced, voting to distribute nearly $10 million in additional support for arts organizations and advancing investments in California Cultural Districts, which preserve local heritage, celebrate community identity and support the creative businesses and cultural spaces that contribute to local economies. In a separate vote, the Council approved including a new Native American Artist grant program among other programs to open in fiscal year 2027–28.

The decisions mark an important moment in the Council’s 50th anniversary year, addressing the stability of California’s arts organizations while advancing dedicated support for Native American artists and cultural expression.

The additional general operating support and cultural district investments were provided through AB 113, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 18, which amended the FY 2026–27 state budget to include a one-time $10 million appropriation for general operating support grants to arts organizations and $4 million to cultural districts.

“California’s cultural strength is rooted in its communities,” said California Arts Council Chair Roxanne Messina Captor. “We thank Governor Newsom and the Legislature for investing in arts organizations and the operating support they need to sustain their work. From our Cultural Districts to our new Native American Artist grant program, these efforts support creative livelihoods and keep cultural traditions thriving.”

Strengthening Arts Organizations Across California

The Allocations Committee recommended $9,977,820 in additional funding through two existing programs:

• $5,762,820 for General Operating Support, funding 496 additional applicants with scores from 4.0 to 5.7 at 40% of their requested amounts.
• $4,215,000 for State-Local Partners, committing funding for the second year of the two-year grant activity period for 56 partners.

General operating support provides flexibility for arts organizations to sustain staffing, compensate artists, maintain facilities and deliver programming that responds to community needs. State-Local Partner funding strengthens the local arts infrastructure that supports cultural participation across California.

The additional investment builds on the Council’s existing grantmaking commitments and recognizes the importance of organizational stability to the long-term health of California’s arts and cultural sector.