California Arts Council

State of California

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Strategic Framework

The California Arts Council has adopted a new strategic framework to guide our work for the next seven years. The framework, titled Creative Impact: The Arts & the California Challenge, encompasses several aspects, including a new mission, vision, and values statements; a racial equity statement; a decision support tool; and a set of aspirations for potential future actions of the Council and agency.

The CAC has experienced tremendous growth during the last decade as we have worked to rebuild services to California communities after a 97% cut to our state budget in the early 2000s. Developed through a yearlong process led by consultant Dr. Tamu Nolfo, involving extensive research, public participation, and engagement, this framework reaffirms our role in strengthening the field of arts and culture and to champion the arts as essential, not optional, in addressing the challenges facing our communities today and in the future.

We are committed to developing an organizational culture that actively addresses barriers to equity and participation for all Californians, and celebrates the connections and intersections of all our communities.

View the Complete Strategic Framework

STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

Mission

Strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all.

Vision

A California where all people flourish with universal access to and participation in the arts.

Values

View our complete values statement here.

Racial Equity Statement

The Arts Council believes that racial injustice is the most pervasive and entrenched form of injustice permeating the institutions and structures that everyone must access. Read our framework's Racial Equity Statement.

Decision Support Tool

A Decision Support Tool has been developed to guide the Council and staff through a methodical process as they consider new programs, policies, or practices. The tool is designed to slow down the decision-making process and counter existing biases.

Aspirations

This framework recognizes this unique opportunity in time to position California’s arts and cultural strategies at a level proportionate to its economic and demographic status – as well as its status as an international leader on many contemporary issues. It includes 28 emerging opportunities that fall under five general categories: grantmaking, programs, partnerships, policy, and public communications.