California Arts Council

State of California

WEBSITE MAINTENANCE NOTICE: On Monday, Nov. 2, the California Arts Council is transitioning to a new web design. During the changeover, www.arts.ca.gov may be temporarily unavailable. We appreciate your patience as we work to launch our new site.


State & Federal Assistance for
COVID-19 Impacted Individuals & Businesses

Federal and state aid are available to organizations and individuals within California's creative field impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Read below to learn more about the assistance programs and services provided.

As part of the federal CARES Act, the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program helps unemployed Californians who are business owners, self-employed, independent contractors, have limited work history, and others not usually eligible for regular state UI benefits who are out of business or services are significantly reduced as a direct result of the pandemic.

Details on this new program, including when and how to apply, can be found here as they become available.

Broad assistance is available to small businesses and employers impacted by COVID-19, including interest-free sales/use tax deferrals, tax filing extensions, the Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program, and federal stimulus programs.

  • See full list of available services for small businesses.
  • Find more information on tax relief.
  • Additional Resources

    The California Arts Council has created a COVID-19 news and resources page, including the latest updates from the agency, emergency funding opportunities, emergency preparedness best practices, and webinars featuring arts leaders and artists from the national arts community. Learn more here.