April is Arts, Culture & Creativity Month, and this moment arrives as critical decisions are shaping how arts, culture, and the creative economy are funded and supported across our region. This brief highlights key developments at the local, state, and federal levels and what they mean for San Bernardino County. It also points to where alignment, awareness, and engagement can help strengthen the future of our creative community.
In partnership with statewide advocacy leaders,
Alejandro Gutierrez Chavez
Executive Director, Arts Connection
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Recent federal budget proposals recommend severe cuts to cultural and educational agencies, specifically proposing minimal funds in order to close the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Learn more about the proposed federal funding cuts to arts and culture and what they could mean for our field.
KEY AGENCIES & RESOURCES
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR REGION
Federal investment plays a foundational role in supporting statewide and local programs. Reduced funding increases reliance on state and local systems, placing added pressure on artists, organizations, and communities across San Bernardino County.
ARTS EDUCATION IN ACTION
Congratulations to Hesperia High School for being named a 2026 California Exemplary Arts Education Award recipient.
This recognition reflects:
- Access to multiple arts disciplines during the school day
- Culturally responsive instruction for diverse student populations
- Investment in arts educators and curriculum
This is a clear example of how arts education supports student success, creative skill-building, and long-term workforce pathways.
CITY OF ONTARIO PILOT MICROGRANT PROGRAM
The City of Ontario Pilot Microgrant Program highlights how local governments can invest directly in artists and creative activity.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Direct funding supports artists as workers and small businesses
- Activates public space and community engagement
Provides a replicable model for countywide creative investment
This year’s state budget decisions will directly shape how arts funding, workforce support, and creative infrastructure are sustained across California.
The following priorities are being advanced by California for the Arts (CFTA) and CA Arts Advocates (CAA).
As a partner of both organizations, Arts Connection is aligning regional efforts with these statewide strategies.
"50 IN 50" - CALIFORNIA ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING
- Current CAC funding: ~$24M
- Over $90M in demand with limited funds available
Proposal: Increase funding for the California Arts Council to $50M
WHY THIS MATTERS
This is about restoring baseline capacity. The California Arts Council reaches every region of the state and provides access to communities that philanthropy does not consistently serve.
A $50M investment allows California to:
- Expand funding access across regions like the Inland Empire
- Support small and mid-sized organizations
- Advance the state’s Creative Economy Strategic Plan
STABILIZING THE WORKFORCE: PERFORMING ARTS EQUITABLE PAYROLL FUND
The first round of this program made one thing clear—the need far exceeds available resources.
- $11.6M funded vs. $40.8M requested
- Thousands of jobs remain unsupported
Proposal: Restore funding at $40M
WHY THIS MATTERS
This is a direct investment in workers. The program supports artists, technicians, and staff who power live performance across the state.
Without continued investment:
- Small organizations face closure
- Jobs continue to decline
- Local economies lose key cultural anchors
With investment:
- Jobs are sustained
- Organizations stabilize
- Communities retain access to arts and culture
INVESTING IN PLACE: CALIFORNIA CULTURAL DISTRICTS
California has built a statewide network of 24 Cultural Districts, representing the diversity, identity, and economic potential of communities across the state.
Current reality: Proposed 2026 funding is $0
WHY THIS MATTERS
Cultural districts are not symbolic—they function as economic engines:
- Drive tourism and small business activity
- Increase local investment
- Strengthen community identity and belonging
These districts create the conditions for arts and culture to operate as place-based infrastructure, supporting both economic development and community well-being.
Without funding, the state risks losing momentum in communities that are already leveraging culture as a tool for economic and civic development.
San Bernardino is a clear example. The Downtown San Bernardino E Street Cultural Corridor advanced to the finalist stage in the most recent cycle, demonstrating strong community alignment, vision, and readiness. The process revealed that the region has the people, organizations, and cultural assets needed to succeed—but sustained investment is required to move from momentum to implementation and long-term infrastructure.
Recent reporting highlights how local leaders, artists, and organizations are continuing to push forward, calling for the infrastructure and funding needed to fully realize this vision.
ARTS + HEALTH POLICY
Arts-based approaches are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for mental health, social connection, and community well-being.
WHY THIS MATTERS
This emerging policy area positions artists and culture bearers as contributors to broader health and prevention systems, opening new pathways for funding, partnerships, and impact. This positions the arts as part of broader public systems, not separate from them.
Arts Connection is helping coordinate regional alignment with statewide and national advocacy efforts.
If you are interested in:
- Joining coalition efforts
- Participating in advocacy conversations
- Learning how these policies impact your work
- Exploring ways to engage locally or statewide
We are working to ensure San Bernardino County is represented, aligned, and positioned within these broader efforts.
Stay connected by following along with these updates, pass this information to your networks, and reach out to explore how you can engage in advocacy efforts locally or statewide!
