California Arts Council Approves Nearly $10 Million More for Arts Groups, Cultural Districts and a Native American Artist Grant
The California Arts Council voted at its public meeting in Merced on October 26 to distribute nearly $10 million in additional support for arts organizations across the state and to advance investments in California Cultural Districts. In a separate vote, the Council approved including a new Native American Artist grant program among the programs to open in fiscal year 2027-28. The Council said the decisions come in its 50th anniversary year and address both the stability of arts organizations and dedicated support for Native American artists and cultural expression.
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, and $4,215,000 for State-Local Partners, committing funding for the second year of the two-year grant activity period for 56 partners. The additional funding was 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 and $4 million for cultural districts.
The Council also approved a new Cultural District Activation Grant Program and a new round of Cultural District designations. Supported by the $4 million appropriation, the program will let California's 24 existing designated Cultural Districts apply for grants of up to $150,000 each, for artists, staffing, marketing, cultural programming and other activities, over a one-year period with a 1:1 match that may include in-kind contributions. Applications are expected to open in January 2027, with allocations anticipated in April, and the new round of designations will open in 2027.
The Native American Artist Grant program builds on the agency's 2019 commitment, informed by three listening sessions involving 38 participants and four Native Artist Advisory Committee meetings; final eligibility requirements, award amounts and timelines remain subject to further development. 'California's cultural strength is rooted in its communities,' said Council Chair Roxanne Messina Captor. Executive Director Danielle Brazell said the investments reflect the Council's commitment to sustaining the arts and cultural traditions that make California extraordinary.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 加州一处音乐剧场内景（资料图）。Jaredzimmerman 摄，CC BY 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Inside a California music theater (file photo). Photo by Jaredzimmerman, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
