PLACER COUNTY, CA (MPG) – On April 23, a dedicated team of
Placer County arts advocates made their voices heard at the California State
Capitol, representing local arts organizations and lobbying for critical
support. The effort, coordinated as part of California Arts Advocacy Day, was
spearheaded by Co-Captains Jenny Darlington-Person, Executive Director of the
Arts Council of Placer County, and Anne Brown, Executive Director of the Auburn
Symphony.

The team brought attention to the vital role that arts and
culture play in California’s economy. With arts and culture contributing a
staggering 7.5% to the state’s economy, amounting to over $289 billion in
economic activity and supporting one in every ten jobs, the delegation
emphasized the importance of continued investment in this sector. Among their
key requests was the restoration of $5 million to the California Arts Council
budget and sustained funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund.

Additionally, Placer County advocates highlighted the
impressive local impact of non-profit arts and culture, which generates a $26.1
million economic footprint in the region. The group aims to shift the
conversation surrounding the arts, urging policymakers to recognize them not
merely as a charitable endeavor but as a dynamic industry that provides both
economic and cultural returns on investment.

The advocacy day was further enriched by the participation
of staff and volunteers from across the region, who shared personal stories,
underscored the importance of the arts in their communities, and lobbied for
crucial funding. The event also brought attention to the innovative integration
of arts and health programs, which have been shown to enhance well-being across
diverse populations.

The Arts Council of Placer County promotes and advocates
for all arts across Placer County to enrich and help develop the artistic
culture of our region of Northern California and beyond. ACPC is committed to
using the arts to drive racial equity and social justice.