The Joint Hearing of the Joint Committee on Arts and the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee convened on May 14, 2025, to address critical issues affecting California's arts and culture sector. The meeting highlighted the significant impact of federal funding cuts on local communities and the creative economy.

The discussion opened with a report on the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grants awarded since 2020, which totaled over $70 million, including more than $8 million directed to the California Arts Council. These funds have been essential for various initiatives, such as arts education in schools and sensory-friendly performances aimed at diverse audiences. However, the recent rescission of these funds has led to fundraising challenges and program shutdowns, particularly affecting small community-based organizations that serve rural, immigrant, and elderly populations.

The committee emphasized California's status as home to the largest and most diverse creative economy in the nation, generating approximately $289 billion and supporting over 800,000 jobs. Arts and culture contribute about 7.5% to the state's GDP, surpassing other major industries like construction, agriculture, and transportation. Despite this, California ranks 35th in per capita state arts funding, with only 53 cents allocated per resident, indicating a need for improvement in support for the arts.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for increased advocacy and funding to bolster the arts sector, ensuring that it continues to thrive and serve all communities across California. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions in future sessions, aiming to address the funding disparities and support the vital role of arts and culture in the state’s economy and society.