The Joint Hearing of the California State Senate's Joint Committee on the Arts and the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee on May 14, 2025, focused on the significant economic impact of the arts and cultural sector in the United States.

A key discussion highlighted that in 2023, the arts and cultural sector contributed approximately $1.17 trillion to the U.S. economy, accounting for about 4% of the national GDP. This figure underscores the sector's substantial role, which is comparable to other major industries. The arts sector also provided over half a billion dollars in wages and benefits to workers, demonstrating its importance not only in cultural terms but also in economic terms.

The meeting emphasized that the arts sector outperformed the national economy, suggesting that it has a positive ripple effect on other industries. Contributions from creative industries, including performing arts, museums, design services, and arts education, were noted as vital components driving this growth.

While the discussion acknowledged the challenges in measuring the arts' impact, it reinforced the need for sustained investment in this sector to ensure continued economic and cultural benefits. The committee's findings aim to inform future policy decisions and funding allocations to support the arts in California and beyond.