State arts agency celebrates 50 fifty years of creative impact

The California Arts Council (CAC) is proud to announce that 2026 will mark its 50th anniversary, a milestone year dedicated to celebrating five decades of cultural impact and envisioning the next half-century of creativity in the Golden State.

Since its inception, the CAC has served as the backbone of California’s cultural landscape and advancing access to the transformative power of the arts. The upcoming anniversary, themed “50 Years of Creative Impact,” will highlight the agency’s role in shaping policy, supporting artists, and ensuring that the arts remain accessible to every community across the state.

A Half-Century of Impact

“The 50th anniversary is an opportunity to showcase the resilience and adaptability of the California Arts Council,” said Danielle Brazell, Executive Director. “As we reflect on our first 50 years of service, we set our strategic vision for the next 50, prompting a future where every Californian has access to the tools, resources, and inspiration to lead a creative life, where our diverse cultures drive innovation and where our creative industries continue to influence the world.”

“We stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before. The 50th anniversary is an opportunity to honor the founders of this Council who, without their advocacy and artistry, none of the work we do now could have been accomplished,” said Chair Messina Captor. “I am grateful to my fellow Council members and the CAC staff who will be supporting us in honoring field leaders, artists, and arts organizations who have made significant and indelible marks in the cultural life of California.”

Ways to Celebrate and Get Involved

Throughout 2026, the CAC will roll out a series of statewide activations designed to engage artists, grantees, and the public:

• Grantee-Dedicated Events: In a show of statewide solidarity, CAC grantees have been invited to dedicate performances, exhibitions, and workshops to this milestone. A curated calendar of these events will be available on the CAC website.
• 50th Anniversary Awards Ceremony: The Council is leading an awardsselection process to honor California artists and culture bearers whosecontributions have fundamentally shaped the state’s identity.
• Statewide Awareness Campaign: A robust social media uplift and public storytelling initiative will feature archival highlights, infographics on historical grantmaking, and reports.
• Interactive Digital Experience: The CAC website will feature an updated historical timeline, a filtered anniversary event calendar, and a dedicated landing page for awardees.

Looking Ahead

The 50th anniversary aligns with the CAC’s mission to foster innovation through emerging technologies and new creative expressions. By securing new partnerships and amplifying the voices of diverse creators, the CAC aims to ensure that the next 50 years of California arts are as bold and inclusive as the state itself.