URGENT ARTS ACTION

THE SITUATION
Governor Newsom’s proposal to eliminate the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund (PAEPF) puts countless small and mid-sized arts organizations at risk, including Silicon Valley Shakespeare. This grant program, currently under review, promised to reimburse payroll costs and potentially transform our financial future. SVS invested over 80 hours compiling our extensive application, and the uncertainty surrounding this funding, coupled with mounting cuts at every level of arts support, threatens the stability of our sector. The loss of the PAEPF—$11.5M out of the state’s massive budget—would have devastating ripple effects across the cultural landscape.

If awarded, Silicon Valley Shakespeare could receive $156,000, which is 30% of our annual budget.

ACTION ITEMS
The most effective way to fight this proposed cut is to email the California State Budget Committee at asmbudget@asm.ca.gov and copy consultant Genevieve McCloy at genevieve.mccloy@asm.ca.gov using a clear, informative message. You can also call the Budget Committee at (916) 319-2099, reach out to your state legislators, and contact Governor Newsom’s office directly at (916) 445-2841. Every voice matters, and direct communication can make a tangible difference in protecting the future of California’s performing arts sector.

EMAIL TEMPLATES
To support our industry, SVS encourages you to send a direct, heartfelt email to the Budget Committee explaining how this proposed cut would devastate California’s already struggling performing arts community. Emphasize that the PAEPF grant is a critical investment in small nonprofit organizations like ours, and that cutting the funding now would not only erase all progress but further destabilize an industry contributing 7.5% to California’s GDP.

PHONE SCRIPTS
When calling, express that cutting the PAEPF grant would be catastrophic for small theatre organizations. SVS and many others have already invested immense effort into the application process and are anxiously awaiting results. Reinforce that these funds are not optional luxuries—they are lifelines for cultural and economic survival in a sector that continues to suffer severe post-pandemic losses. Encourage the listener to oppose the cut and advocate for releasing the already-allocated $11.5M.

TALKING POINTS
The PAEPF application was oversubscribed within 24 hours, a stark sign of the need in our field. Thousands of hours have already gone into this process from applicants and the state alike. With organizations closing their doors left and right, including notable Bay Area companies, we cannot afford another loss. Small arts nonprofits like SVS are vital small businesses, employers, educators, and economic drivers. Defunding this program would squander vital work already done and destroy a desperately needed opportunity to stabilize our community.

TEMPLATES

EMAIL

Hello Budget Committee.

I’ve just learned that Gavin Newsom is proposing to cut all of the funding for the Performing Arts Equitable Payroll Fund and that absolutely cannot happen.

Post-pandemic, live theatre is deeply struggling—over 25% of Bay Area theaters have closed since 2020; an absolutely staggering statistic.

The PAEPF grant program received such an overwhelming response that it was oversubscribed in the first 24 hours, which is very telling regarding the state of funding for the arts.

Applicants, like Silicon Valley Shakespeare and other organizations I support, spent a great deal of time preparing and submitting the incredibly detailed and lengthy application, which is now under review and we’re expecting to hear updates at any time.

Receiving these funds would be transformative for every organization that applied. The program’s $11.5M allotment is a drop in California’s overall budget, but will act as vital seed money to stabilize an industry that contributes 7.5% of California’s GDP. If these funds don't come through, we will continue to lose more theatres and more jobs, worsening the severe economic distress that the arts and culture industry has been experiencing for years. The recent NEA cuts and upheaval are already creating so much chaos, more cuts will only add to that, especially as many other state, city, and district grantors are also now telling us to expect significantly reduced grant funding to committed awards. 

Small nonprofit arts organizations are also small businesses, and small businesses make up the backbone of the American economy. To maintain a healthy state economy and healthy local communities, we must provide public funding for the arts industry.

Cutting this funding is unimaginable during a time when our communities deeply need the arts. Please don't fail the small organizations striving to keep our freedom of expression alive.

Thank you for listening,

[Your Name]

PHONE SCRIPT

  • I’ve just learned that Gavin Newsom is proposing to cut all of the funding for the performing arts equitable payroll fund and it absolutely cannot happen.

  • Live theatre is deeply struggling post-pandemic; over 25% of Bay Area theaters have closed since 2020.

  • This particular grant program received such an overwhelming response that it was oversubscribed in the first 24 hours, which is very telling regarding the state of funding for the arts.

  • Applicants, like Silicon Valley Shakespeare and other organizations I support, spent a great deal of time preparing and submitting the application, which is now under review, and we’re expecting to hear updates at any time

  • Receiving these funds would be transformative for every organization that applied

  • We will lose more organizations if these funds don’t come through

  • The recent NEA cuts and upheaval are already creating so much chaos, more cuts will only add to that

  • The existing dollars can’t begin to fund all of the requests, but to fund none of them is unimaginable