Honoring the Advocacy of California For The Arts and Arts For LA

Time and time again, when budgets tighten the arts have been one of the first to face cuts, dismissed as non-essential despite being the soul of our communities, the heartbeat of our culture, and a powerful engine for education, healing, and economic growth. Yet even in the face of these challenges, there are those who rise to defend creative expression, protect cultural spaces, and demand that the arts be treated as essential. We stand with these advocates, who are turning our collective voices into action, transforming passion into policy and protest into progress, and through it all driving meaningful, systemic change. 

Right now, in California and especially here in Los Angeles, the future of arts and culture is being shaped in real time and the stakes have never been higher for our creative communities.

At the forefront of this movement are California for the Arts and Arts for LA, two dynamic organizations tirelessly championing policies that protect public funding, expand access, and center equity across the arts ecosystem. Their leadership is not just influential, it’s essential. 

Grand Performances stands proudly in recognition of their advocacy and vision. We are here because of them, and we honor the heroic work they do every day to ensure the arts not only survive but thrive in California.

I know California for the Arts and Arts for LA will continue to fight, and we call on everyone who believes in the transformative power of the arts to join and support these two organizations.

Advocacy doesn’t just happen in policy rooms or on Capitol steps. It starts at home, in classrooms, in community centers, and within us.

Arts advocacy is for everyone. Wherever you are, your voice matters. Together, we can defend and advance the arts for today and for generations to come.

Rafael González | President & CEO | Grand Performances

Learn more about California for the Arts

Learn more about Arts for LA