Musicians at a concert (Photo – lakeave.org)
California for the Arts has announced a new $12.5 million grant program aimed at helping small nonprofit performing arts organizations across the state maintain and grow their workforce.
By News Desk
The Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund, funded by the State of California and administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), is designed to assist in paying employees, including actors, musicians, technical staff, and administrative workers.
The initiative is expected to create up to 20,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employment opportunities annually. It represents a new model for arts funding, offering a critical financial lifeline to the live arts sector, which has struggled to recover from the economic devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and years of underinvestment.
A Vital Economic Engine
While many associate the entertainment industry with Hollywood, California’s creative ecosystem extends far beyond the glitz of film and television, fueling the state’s cultural and economic vitality. This program aims to bolster the often-overlooked nonprofit arts sector, which plays a pivotal role in local economies. As studies show, nonprofit theatergoers spend an average of $38 more than the price of their tickets when they attend performances, benefiting nearby restaurants, hotels, and other businesses.
Julie Baker, CEO of California for the Arts, emphasized the importance of this initiative, saying, “People think that the entertainment industry is Hollywood, but it’s California’s entire creative ecosystem that makes the state a national arts leader and drives our economy. Today, we celebrate a major investment in California’s creative future.”
Brooke Shields: Investing in Arts = Investing in Communities
Brooke Shields, president of Actors’ Equity Association, echoed this sentiment, stressing the transformative power of the arts. “We’ve seen entire communities revitalized by a robust arts scene, and the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund is going to help that happen in towns big and small, all over the state. Investing in local theatres means investing in local economies,” she said.
By reimbursing payroll expenses, the fund ensures that small nonprofit organizations can afford to pay living wages to their employees, providing stability to the sector and allowing workers to thrive. This is especially important as the state continues to recover from the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic.
Support for a Wide Range of Organizations
The grant program is open to a variety of performing arts organizations, including nonprofit theater companies, dance troupes, choral groups, local arts councils, and performance venues. The aim is to help as many as 300 organizations across California. Funding will be allocated to cover payroll expenses for any employees, from performers to backstage staff to administrative personnel.
The program is also backed by a coalition of local arts organizations that are partnering with California for the Arts to ensure that nonprofits are aware of the opportunity. Among the key partners are organizations like Arts Orange County, Dance Resource Center, Playhouse Arts, and Theatre Bay Area, all of which will assist in outreach and provide resources to applicants.
A Boost for California’s Arts Workforce
Tara Lynn Gray, director of CalOSBA, highlighted the broader implications of the initiative, noting, “This program makes the point that art work is indeed real work. By reimbursing payroll expenses, we are helping make sure that performers and backstage staff can bring home paychecks so that the show can go on in communities across the state.”
Applications for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund opened on March 10, 2025, with nonprofit organizations encouraged to register for informational webinars through the California for the Arts website.
This funding is a much-needed boost for the state’s vibrant creative community, ensuring that California remains a leader in the arts while supporting the workers who make it all possible.
For more information, including how to apply, visit the California for the Arts website.
Leave a Reply