Spending a few days in Sacramento for the California Arts and Culture Summit, hosted by CA For The Arts from April 21–23, was both energizing and affirming. I connected with artists, advocates, and cultural leaders from across the state, united in the belief that the arts are essential to our collective well-being.
The summit sessions included topics like equitable funding, sustaining creative careers, and supporting rural arts—each one a reminder of the importance of collaboration and the role of the arts in building healthy, inclusive communities. I also had the chance to connect with colleagues and meet new peers working in theater, media, education, and adjacent art spaces.
On my final day, I participated in Arts Advocacy Day at the Capitol and felt proud to speak up in support of arts education and public performance programs. I’m especially grateful to Assemblymember Tina S. McKinnor’s and Assemblymember Sade Elhawary’s office for welcoming us and engaging thoughtfully with our ideas.
I left Sacramento recharged and more committed than ever to uplifting the arts as a fundamental right for all Californians. Much thanks to CA For The Arts for bringing us together and for reminding us that arts and culture are essential to health, happiness, and hope.
