Read the latest research, news, and policy in our arts education RECAP for August 2026.
“California schools are sitting on arts money. A change in law might get them to spend it”
Published on August 3, 2026 by CalMatters
A new bill clarifying how schools are allowed to spend money dedicated to arts funding is heading to CA Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk after legislators come to a compromise. “The bill, AB 2440, seeks to streamline and clarify some of the finer points of Prop. 28, which voters overwhelmingly passed in 2022. Prop. 28 requires schools to use their new arts funding to supplement – not replace – existing programs. But schools’ confusion over Prop. 28 rules had led dozens of districts to return their arts money to the state, for fear of spending it incorrectly and getting sued.” CalMatters
“How a dance program helps Los Angeles students overcome anxiety and isolation”
Published on August 12, 2026 by EdSource
“For Emilia Marie Cabrales, a junior at Pasadena High School, her message to her classmates is in the groove…Emilia is part of an eight-week summer program at the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club called ‘Dance and Dialogue,’ a course that uses movement, storytelling and social connection to help students build confidence, empathy and stronger relationships with one another. Before playing ‘Telegroove,’ Emilia and her classmates gathered in a circle on the floor and talked about their plans for the future.” EdSource
“Former LAUSD Supt. Beutner agrees to compromise Prop. 28 arts education bill”
Published on August 20, 2026 by EdSource
“Former Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner said Thursday that he will support AB 2440 — the proposal seeking to clarify rules in the Proposition 28 arts education initiative — after agreeing on amendments to the bill. Beutner, who authored Prop. 28 and funded the 2022 campaign to pass the initiative, had opposed AB 2440, stating that the bill would ‘gut’ the requirement to ‘supplement existing arts funds at every school.’ Beutner said Thursday that he worked with the bill’s author, Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, to protect smaller and low-income schools’ ability to expand the arts.” EdSource
“Bakersfield City Schools double arts teacher ranks thanks to Prop. 28”
Published on August 21, 2026 by EdSource
“The Bakersfield City School District now has 61 credentialed visual and performing arts teachers, more than double the number 10 years ago, when it had 26 arts teachers, the Bakersfield Californian reported. The school district’s spike in the number of teachers in music, dance, theater and the visual arts is due to Proposition 28 funding. The initiative, passed by voters in 2022, provides funding for all schools in California to increase their arts faculty.” EdSource
“LA County arts grants expand access”
Published on July 29, 2026 by the Antelope Valley Press
“From keeping the lights on at a small theater to helping an organization hire artists and creative workers, Los Angeles County officials say public arts funding can have an impact far beyond the productions, exhibitions and programs audiences ultimately see. The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture awarded $5.6 million to 353 nonprofit organizations through its 2026-27 Organizational Grant Program and Community Impact Arts Grant, supporting arts, cultural and community programming throughout the county.” Antelope Valley Press
