California’s Performing Arts Groups Score Major Win in State Budget
By Afton MarkayA series of budget bills signed on July 1 restores the $11.5 million for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund that Governor Newsom proposed to cut in the May revise.
This funding will now go to small budget nonprofit performing arts organizations across the state for payroll subsidies to support arts jobs. Over $40 million in applications were received for the program before it was halted by the Governor’s proposal. While some applicants will receive awards, not all will.
The Senate Bill 1116 established the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund in order to support small nonprofit performing arts organizations with adjusted gross revenue under $2 million, in hiring and retaining employees. The Fund is administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate in partnership with California for the Arts.
In a press release Opera Santa Barbara commented, “These victories are a testament to the true power of collective action, but with California ranking 39th nationally in per capita arts funding, their is still work to be done and your support is more vital than ever.”
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