Santa Cruz County Arts Funding Update

Dear MAH Community,

The Board of Supervisors is expected to affirm a budget on Tuesday, June 30, that includes a 15% reduction in funding for both Arts Council Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History.

While this reduction is difficult, it’s a significant improvement from the original proposal to eliminate Arts Council funding entirely and reduce MAH funding by 50%.

This outcome reflects the collaborative efforts of Arts Council Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH), County staff, the Board of Supervisors, and the extraordinary advocacy of our community over the past few days.

“It was heartening to hear directly from the County Supervisors about how they value the arts in their communities” says MAH Executive Director Ginger Shulick Porcella. “It was important for the Arts Council and the MAH to propose a solution where the greatest number of artists and organizations would benefit, without having to eliminate core services. It just shows that there is always a way through with thoughtful conversation and collaboration.”

We’re deeply grateful to the Board of Supervisors for listening, to County staff, and especially to the County Parks team for working collaboratively to reach this outcome.

“Over the last few days, I’ve felt in my bones the power of what happens when we work together. I and my team have been moved to tears by the stories shared by artists, educators, organizations, and residents who reminded County leaders all the ways the arts matter. This is what advocacy looks and feels like. At this critical time for the arts in Santa Cruz County, we must build on this momentum to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the arts,” shares Jim Brown, Executive Director, Arts Council Santa Cruz County.

Stay Engaged:

Join the Arts Advocacy Network:

This experience has underscored the urgent need for a stronger, more sustainable funding strategy for the arts. In the months ahead, we'll be working with partners to explore long-term solutions so we're not facing the same uncertainty next year. We invite you to join the Arts Advocacy Network and help shape that future.

Thank Your Supervisors:
Please consider sending a brief email or making a quick phone call thanking the Board of Supervisors for supporting this revised funding approach and encouraging them to affirm the 15% reduction in Tuesday's final budget vote. Find your supervisor here.

Attend Tuesday's Meeting:
If you're inspired to do so, join Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting in person or virtually as a show of support for the arts. No additional public advocacy is needed at this stage, but your presence is always meaningful.

Make a Donation:
If you are able, please consider helping us close the gap left by these cuts by donating to either organization in support of ongoing advocacy and programming for the arts.

• Donate to Arts Council Santa Cruz County
• Donate to Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History

Thank you for lending your voice and standing with the arts.

In community,

Arts Council Santa Cruz County & Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History